The Port of Los Angeles has approved a five-year lease extension for SSA Pacific to continue operating the marine terminal that is the West Coast home to imported Chilean fruit. The renewal extends SSA’s lease through to 31 October 2022.
For more than 25 years the terminal has handled imports of grapes, stonefruit, avocados and other products from Chile. From there they are distributed to consumers from southern California to Vancouver.
“The Port of Los Angeles is proud to be the West Coast gateway for Chilean fruit,” said executive director Gene Seroka. “We’re pleased to renew our commitment to this important market and our longstanding trade partners in Chile.”
During the last Chilean season, which runs from December to April, the port handled more than 82,000 tonnes of Chilean fruit, which represents almost one-fifth of all fruits and vegetables imported through Los Angeles.
The only other US port of call for reefer vessels carrying Chilean fruit is the Port of Philadelphia which serves East Coast markets.
The journey time from the Port of Valparaiso to Los Angeles is 12 days for reefer vessels. Container ships deliver Chilean fruit to more US ports but the journey time takes 20-23 days due to stops at other South and Central American ports along the way.
SSA Pacific has operated the Los Angeles terminal since 1988, handling fruit and other agricultural products. The terminal has handled Chilean fruit exclusively for more than a decade.
“SSA Marine is pleased to continue the partnership with the Port of Los Angeles and provide a long-term home for the importation of high quality Chilean fruit,” said William Fitz, regional vice president.
Fruits and nuts are Chile’s leading export to the US, Chile’s second biggest trading partner. Total goods and services exchanged between the two countries is valued at US$29.8bn.
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