Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh oranges in El Salvador are supplied by a mix of domestic citrus production and substantial imports. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) indicates imports of HS 080510 (oranges, fresh or dried) materially exceed exports in the latest available year shown, implying a net-import market position for traded product. Import entry is operationally dependent on MAG phytosanitary import authorization processes (AFI) and quarantine inspection/release steps, with potential for treatment requirements if issues are found. International commercial quality expectations for citrus traded in standard channels commonly reference UNECE FFV-14 for citrus fruit classes, sizing, and marking.
Market RoleNet importer with domestic production
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied by local orchards and imported fresh oranges; imports play a significant role based on available trade data.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Commercial quality for traded citrus commonly follows UNECE FFV-14 minimum quality principles (soundness, cleanliness, freedom from abnormal external moisture and damage) adapted into buyer/importer specifications.
Compositional Metrics- Maturity/juice content and related minimum maturity expectations are commonly referenced in citrus standards and buyer programs (see UNECE FFV-14 for citrus fruit).
Grades- UNECE FFV-14 Citrus Fruit classes (e.g., Extra Class, Class I, Class II) are commonly used reference points in international trade specifications.
Packaging- Packaging/marking expectations in standard trade channels commonly align with UNECE FFV-14 guidance (e.g., protection of produce; marking for identification such as origin, class, and size).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- MAG phytosanitary import authorization (AFI) request/issuance (often via CIEX) → shipment arrival at border/port → quarantine inspection → release (liberación) if compliant or treatment requirement (e.g., fumigation) → wholesale distribution
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFailure to secure MAG phytosanitary import authorization (AFI) and present the original certificates required by the authorization can block release of fresh oranges at entry; quarantine inspection findings may also trigger mandatory treatment (e.g., fumigation) or delays that materially degrade quality.Obtain AFI in advance via the MAG/CIEX process, align documents exactly to the AFI requirements, and run a pre-shipment pest/packhouse conformity check to reduce inspection holds and treatment risk.
Logistics MediumEntry inspection steps and potential quarantine treatments can extend dwell time, increasing temperature-excursion risk and shrink for a perishable fresh fruit cargo; this is amplified for long-haul sea shipments and during peak border congestion.Use refrigerated transport where appropriate, plan conservative transit/clearance buffers, and confirm treatment contingency options and costs (including certificates) before shipment.
Supply Concentration MediumImport supply (HS 080510) is concentrated in a small number of partner countries in available trade data (notably Honduras and Nicaragua), increasing exposure to partner-side crop shocks, border disruptions, or policy changes affecting those routes.Qualify secondary origins and maintain multi-supplier contracts, including seasonal counter-supply options from southern hemisphere exporters when feasible.
FAQ
What are the key MAG steps to import fresh oranges into El Salvador?MAG requires a phytosanitary import authorization (AFI) for plant-origin imports, and release at entry depends on presenting the AFI and the original certificates required by it, followed by quarantine inspection. If inspection determines treatment is needed (such as fumigation), the shipment must complete that step before it can be released.
Which countries were the main reported suppliers of fresh or dried oranges to El Salvador in 2023?UN Comtrade data via WITS reports that El Salvador imported HS 080510 oranges primarily from Honduras and Nicaragua in 2023, with additional smaller imports reported from Chile, Spain, Costa Rica, and the United States.
Is El Salvador a significant exporter of fresh oranges under HS 080510?No. In the latest WITS/UN Comtrade snapshot shown for HS 080510, El Salvador’s reported exports in 2023 were very small (a single destination with low value and volume), while imports were much larger.