Losses are severe for watermelon, melon and pineapple exports

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are causing significant losses for the agricultural sector in Panama. Production losses and export losses.

 

 

 

According to a Gantrap study (Gremial de Agroexportadores de Productos No Tradicionales de Panamá), losses would reach $8.8 million for the 2019-20 agricultural season which ended in April.

 

 

 

Due to the pandemic, many orders were canceled and the fruit rotted in the fields. For the watermelon the losses amount to $2.3 million, for the melon to $1.8 million, and for the pineapple to $1 million.

 

 

The drop in consumption and the closure of certain marketing channels have meant that the fruit sent to Europe has ended up in the trash. A small part could be sold but at sacrificed prices. Sales losses for watermelon are estimated at $3.5 million.

 

 

 

Europe had become, since last year, the 2nd destination by volume after China for Panamanian exports.