Chile is a net exporter of organic products. This is revealed by a report from the Office of Agricultural Studies and Policies (Odepa), which indicates that during January-September 2017 shipments of this type of merchandise exceeded imports locally.

In the first nine months of the year, exports of organic products reached 65.785 tons in volume. This figure represented a growth of 13,3% with respect to the 58.041 tons obtained in the same period last year.

In FOB value (on-board cost), however, the shipments totaled US $ 181,3 million, an 16,3% less compared to the US $ 216,5 million received during the same period last year.

As Odepa explained, this is because "Among the main organic products exported with negative FOB values ​​are fruits, which this season have reached higher volumes in the destination markets, due to good weather conditions in different countries. This has led to a greater supply and a consequent decrease in prices".

He added that, “On the other hand, much of this fruit is sold on consignment, so it is currently not possible to have reflected the final values".

During the period analyzed, imports of organic products came in volume to 3.681 tons, an 57,9% less than in 2016.

In CIF amount (cost, insurance and freight), purchases amounted to US $ 7,9 million, an 32,7% less than the US $ 11,7 million reached during the first nine months of 2016.

PROJECTIONS

It is expected to continue with the trend to increase internal demand for organic products, national and international, and with the increase in shipments.

Source: El Mercurio