Chile’s fresh fruit exports at risk as trucks block San Antonio Port

A blockade involving 33 trucks at Chile's Port of San Antonio has raised concerns over the start of the 2026/27 cherry export season, according to Frutas de Chile.

The protest by independent truck drivers has restricted access to container terminals and off-port storage facilities. The disruption comes at a critical time for cherry exporters, with the first Cherry Express vessel scheduled to depart on November 9 and loading planned for November 7.

Cherry shipments under pressure

San Antonio handles almost half of Chile's fresh fruit exports. Delays at the port could affect delivery schedules and fruit quality, particularly for cherries, which require careful handling and fast transport to overseas markets.

On November 4, Frutas de Chile cancelled its participation in the official cherry season launch at San Antonio Terminal Internacional (STI). Government representatives and China's ambassador had also been expected to attend.

Exporters call for a solution

The organisation's president, Iván Marambio, called for an urgent solution through negotiations and asked authorities to maintain access to the port.

Chile shipped more than 3 million tonnes of fresh fruit during the 2025/26 season, generating $8.199 billion in export revenue. Fruit is the country's second-largest export sector.

Frutas de Chile warned that continued disruption could affect producers, exporters and thousands of workers whose income depends on fruit reaching international markets on time.

source: frutasdechile.cl

photo: prochile.gob.cl