Chile moves closer to lemon market access in Indonesia after key phytosanitary visit

Chile is nearing approval to export fresh lemons to Indonesia following a recent technical mission by Indonesia’s Agricultural Quarantine Agency (IQA). During the visit, officials toured lemon orchards, packhouses, and food safety laboratories across multiple Chilean regions to assess phytosanitary procedures and evaluate the National Food Safety System.

The inspection aimed to validate Chile’s export protocols for lemons while reaffirming access for other fresh fruits via the Port of Jakarta. Chilean authorities, including SAG, Frutas de Chile, and the Citrus Committee, welcomed the delegation. Officials say the visit was highly successful and could accelerate lemon market access in the near future.

Chile currently exports table grapes, kiwis, cherries, and blueberries to Indonesia, with over 271,000 boxes shipped last season. Given Indonesia’s annual citrus imports of 120,000 tonnes valued at around US $150 million, lemons represent a strategic opportunity for expansion — especially with Chile’s counter-seasonal supply and strong quality standards.

This year marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Chile also benefits from the IC-CEPA trade agreement, which grants zero-tariff access for several fruits and reinforces its competitiveness in one of Southeast Asia’s most promising consumer markets.

source: frutasdechile.cl

photo: comitedecitricos.cl