Chile’s Arica starts new tomato export season to Argentina

Chile’s Arica and Parinacota region has opened a new tomato export season to Argentina with an initial shipment of more than 23 tonnes, marking another step in the region’s growing cross-border trade.

The first dispatch included 28 pallets, equal to 1,372 boxes and 23,324 kilos of tomatoes. The shipment is part of a broader push to strengthen export opportunities for local growers, especially producers in the Azapa Valley, one of northern Chile’s key agricultural areas.

Exports continue to grow

According to Chile’s Agriculture Undersecretary Francesco Venezian, Arica’s tomato sector has gained ground thanks to product quality, production volumes and sanitary standards. He said the export programme has already supported around 150 shipments from Arica to Argentina.

The Argentine market opened to Arica tomatoes in 2024, when more than 5.4 million kilos were shipped. In 2025, exports rose to 8.53 million kilos, equivalent to around 450 trucks. During that period, Chile’s Agricultural and Livestock Service, SAG, carried out 374 origin inspections and issued the required dispatch documents.

Sanitary support remains key

Authorities said the progress reflects coordination between producers, public institutions and sanitary services. SAG has been providing technical support throughout the production and export process, helping growers meet the requirements needed to access external markets.

Local economy benefits

Regional officials also pointed to wider economic benefits. Tomato exports are expected to support not only farms, but also transport, trade, input suppliers and other local services linked to agricultural activity.

New markets

The region is now looking beyond Argentina. Officials said Brazil and Paraguay could become future opportunities for Arica’s tomato producers if the sector continues to build on its sanitary performance and export capacity.

The start of the season came during a wider visit by Agriculture Undersecretary Venezian to Arica and Parinacota, which also included work on sanitary controls, irrigation and regional agricultural development.

source and photo: sag.gob.cl