Mexican mango exports to the U.S. are picking up as the second half of the season should be much better than the first half. Meanwhile, as South Texas onion shipments finish up, a new crop is expected to start a little further to the north.
Mexico is the fifth-largest producer mangos worldwide, and is the largest single exporter of fresh mangoes. About 35 percent of Mexico’s mango production is exported, with 90 percent going to the U.S. In total, Mexico produces an estimated 1.6 million tons of mango each year.
Mexican mango exports are recovering from an initial drought that affected the start of the shipping season. However, during the second half of the 2017 season, industry figures are forecasting an upturn in total production and are comparing it to 2016. Mexican mango exports to the U.S. are picking up after lower volumes during February and March and are expected to overtake last year’s figures.
Guatemala, which is nearing the end of its export window, has also experienced a similar season to Mexico. However, Guatemala certainly benefitted from the slow season start of Mexico, which helped its exports to the U.S. Guatemala has also enjoyed a positive mango export season, with final production volumes expected to total 25 to 30 percent more than last year. Up until the week of March 27, the country had harvested 653,780 boxes, and the total at the season’s close in late May is expected to reach more than 5 million boxes. About 90 percent of Guatemala’s mango exports go the U.S.
Texas Onion Shipments
Mexican onions are finished, while sweet onions off of Lower Rio Grande Farms are quickly finishing, with the last loads expected the week of April 24th. Meanwhile, a few more Texas 1015 sweet onions are about to start out of the Winter Garden District, just south of San Antonio. For example, Southwest Onions of Mission, TX will starting harvesting from the Winter Garden area around May 1-5. The company should continue shipping until the first week of June.
Mexican tropical fruits and vegetables crossing through South Texas – grossing about $2800 to Chicago; $4400 to New York City.