Pitahaya, a 'controversial' fruit for the environment, breaks export records in Ecuador

Published 2024년 3월 14일

Tridge summary

Ecuador's dragon fruit, or pitahaya, has seen a 72% increase in sales in 2023, reaching USD 171.7 million, with the United States being the primary market. Other markets include Hong Kong, Spain, Peru, and Canada. The recent trade agreement with China, effective from May 2024, is expected to further boost sales by eliminating the 20% tariff on the fruit. However, this surge in pitahaya farming has led to the destruction of primary forests in Palora, a major production area.

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Original content

The pitahaya, that exotic fruit with digestive properties, has had a good harvest in Ecuador and with the agreement with China, a boom is expected. Figures from the Ministry of Production record USD 171.7 million in sales last year, which represents an increase of 72% compared to the value exported in 2022. The main destination market for Ecuadorian pitahaya until now is the United States with an export value of USD 136.1 million, which represents 80% of the shipments of what is also known as dragon fruit. The United States is followed by Hong Kong, Spain, Peru and Canada; although, without a doubt, fruit producers will be one of the beneficiaries of the trade agreement with China. Once it comes into effect in May 2024, the 20% tariff that this fruit had until now to enter the Asian giant's market will be eliminated. Ecuadorian exports of this fruit have grown progressively since the opening of the United States market in 2017, the Peruvian market at the end of 2022, and the ...

Source: Primicias