The shipment by Ecuagroimport marks a new milestone in the country’s product diversification strategy
Ecuador has carried out its first commercial exports of Tango mandarins to the US, specifically to the state of California.
A consignment of 880 cartons of mandarins grown by Ecuagroimport in Pimampiro, Imbabura province, was shipped from the port of Guayaquíl at the end of July. The shipment underwent cold treatment for 15 days to eliminate quarantine pests such as the fruit fly.
Official sources said the milestone is the result of more than five years of technical work, bilateral negotiations, and compliance with international phytosanitary requirements.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, it opens new opportunities for small and medium-sized producers and highlights the government’s commitment to diversification and added value in non-traditional products.
The arrival of the fruit in the US market occurs at a challenging time for Ecuadorean exports, which, since the start of August, are subject to a 15 per cent tariff imposed by President Trump.
Ecuagroimport currently has 32 certified hectares of Tango production and said it aims to ship at least seven containers by 2026.
