Mexico Opens Its Market to Chilean Citrus Under Inspection System, Senasica Publishes Phytosanitary Requirements in W12

Fresh Lemon

Tomas Nunez

Published Mar 27, 2023

In W12, the phytosanitary requirements for the entry of Chilean citrus into the Mexican market were published, following a long negotiation process to allow entry without product treatment. Previously, the phytosanitary requirements for clementines required the application of methyl bromide treatment, which impacted the quality of the fruit by phytotoxicity, discouraging the exportation of clementines and other citrus from Chile to Mexico. The establishment of phytosanitary measures for Chilean clementines/mandarins and lemons, agreed upon by both countries, has allowed Chilean citrus to enter the Mexican market for the 2023 production season under an inspection system.
Benefiting Chilean citrus exporters, as it expands and diversifies market opportunities. Additionally, the opening of the Mexican market to Chilean citrus is significant, given that Mexico is the fourth-largest global producer of citrus, while Chile is the seventh. The most consumed citrus in the Mexican market is oranges, with an average of 34kg per person per year, followed by other citrus fruits such as mandarins, clementines, and lemons.
This development represents a positive step for the Chilean citrus industry, allowing them to deliver high-quality post-harvest fruit to Mexican consumers and improve competitiveness with local production.