Different interpretations of new cold protocol keeps South African oranges in Portuguese port

In the Portuguese port of Sines there are containers with South African oranges, some of which have been waiting for clearance for more than two weeks. This number has increased further with the arrival of a second ship last week. Ironically, much of the fruit is destined for Spain, where the demand for oranges has been high, as South Africa has shipped 7-8 % fewer oranges and Valencias to Europe. Many South African exporters have already finished shipping oranges to Europe. The dues deadline is Friday, but the containers must be inspected and cleared before Friday. "The demand for oranges is higher, because less has been shipped. Towards the end of the season, our phone was red hot because of the demand for oranges," says an exporter. "Due to the new protocol, much less has been sent to Europe than usual. Prices are good at the moment and sales are going well, but if the costs come off at the end of the day, we'll have to see what our returns are." ." "It is theoretically not our ...