This is normally the peak for arrivals of Chilean table grapes by boat at ports on both the east and west coasts led by Philadlephia, Wilimington, NC and Long Beach, CA. Howevever, loading opportunities are down some this year due to a smaller crop, combined with some quality problems, particularly with red grapes.
Arrivals should continue at USA ports until about the middle of April. Total Chilean exports are down by nearly 18 perecent this season, although exports to the USA are not down nearly this much.
Recent weeks have been showing a strong increase in arrivals, mainly in the later varieties, like the red colored crimson grape. However, the quality problems have been more associated with the earlier variety red colored flames. Loading opportunities should remain fairly good throughout the month of March, especially with retail orders remaining strong for St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and Passover.
About 1,000 truck load equivalents of Chilelan table grapes are arriving a USA ports by boat per week.
Chilean asian pears
Imports of Chilean yellow-skinned pears are now arriving at ports, with brown-skinned asian pear arrivals taking place by mid-March.
Mexican Mangoes
Similar to a lot of Mexican vegetables, Mexican mango arrivals at USA crossings have gotten off to a slower start this season. There’s also arrivals of mangoes by boat at various ports from Central America.
Mexican mango imports will likely break another record in 2013 as observers are predicting a 10-15 percent annual growth. Peak arrivals at border crossings, particularly in south Texas, should be in May.
There also are mangoes arriving by boat from Nicaragua, Gautemala beginning the middle of March.
Boat arrivals of mangoes from Peru should end by mid-March. Peru is expected to ship about 9 million boxes to the USA this season, up from 6 million boxes last year.
Mexican imported mangoes, plus other Mexican items crossing the border into Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas – grossing about $4000 to Philadelphia.