Ecuador seeks to open Chinese market for its blueberries

Ecuadorian blueberry exporters have formally requested that authorities initiate negotiations with China to reach a phytosanitary agreement allowing for zero-tariff exports.

Sebastián Muñóz, coordinator of the Ecuadorian Federation of Blueberry Producers and Exporters (Fepexa), highlighted blueberries as a priority in trade negotiations with China. Although Ecuador signed a Free Trade Agreement with China in May, the lack of phytosanitary protocols limits the export of fruits such as blueberries, grapes, and passion fruit. Muñóz explained that developing a phytosanitary protocol can take 2 to 5 years, but they hope the trade agreement will expedite the process.

Since the first blueberry plantings in 2015, Ecuador has 300 hectares in production and around 200 formal producers. In 2022, 220 tons of blueberries were exported, but this dropped to 112 tons in 2023 due to drought.

Producers see great potential in the sector, supported by existing protocols for exporting to over 30 countries and advantages such as the continuous production of large, sweet berries with international organic certifications.

Source: primicias.ec; Photo: ecuablue.farm