Citrus exports increase in Antioquia, positioning the department in Colombia. Photo: Courtesy
Antioquia has established itself as the second most prominent department in the export of Tahiti lemon in Colombia. According to data from the Directorate of Customs and National Taxes (DIAN) and an analysis by Analdex, exports of this citrus fruit reached a notable growth of 95.8% between January and August 2024, compared to the same period of the previous year.
This increase not only reflects greater production, but also the commitment of the Antioquia agricultural sector to comply with international quality and health standards. The main markets that have welcomed the Antioquian Tahiti lemon include the United States, Puerto Rico, Spain, Martinique and Guadeloupe. These strategic destinations highlight Antioquia’s ability to diversify its customer base and boost its export income.
Tahiti lemon and orange are the products that are most exported from this region. However, while orange sales have stabilized, lemon has shown accelerated growth. This change in export trends reflects not only a change in international demand, but also a renewed effort by local producers to adapt to the demands of the global market.
Challenges in growth
The export union has expressed the need to accelerate production processes to maintain this growth rate. However, they also face significant challenges. One of the main obstacles is compliance with the strict phytosanitary controls required by destination markets, especially the European Union and the United States. Obtaining quality and health certificates is essential to ensure that exports are not only competitive, but also safe for consumers.
“That we can accelerate the productive process of economic growth and gain in exports but with phytosanitary control that makes this increase in production and export possible,” said Manuel Naranjo Giraldo, Secretary of Economic Development. The importance of these standards becomes evident when one considers that any failure in the production chain could lead to the loss of valuable markets.
Tahiti lemon exports from Antioquia generated income of 15.7 million dollars between January and August 2024. This data not only highlights the importance of the agricultural sector for the local economy, but also underlines the role of exports in the economic stability of the department. The diversification of products and markets can offer Antioquian farmers greater room for maneuver in the face of economic or climatic fluctuations.
Furthermore, this growth in exports can have a positive impact on job creation in the agricultural sector.
2024-11-03 17:49:00
#Antioquia #department #Colombia #exports #Tahitian #lemons
**Interview with Camila Torres, Agricultural Export Specialist**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Camila. Recently, it was reported that Colombia has begun exporting mangos to the United States. How significant is this development for Colombia’s agricultural sector?
**Camila Torres:** Thank you for having me! This is indeed a significant milestone for Colombia. Starting mango exports to the United States opens up a new and lucrative market for our farmers, particularly in regions like Antioquia and Norte de Santander where these mangoes are grown. It showcases Colombia’s potential as a key player in the global agricultural market, especially for tropical fruits.
**Interviewer:** Alongside mangoes, we’ve seen a notable increase in Tahiti lemon exports from Antioquia, showing a growth of 95.8% this year. What do you attribute this success to?
**Camila Torres:** The increase in Tahiti lemon exports can be attributed to several factors. First, there’s been a marked improvement in our production methods, which now adhere strictly to international quality and health standards. Second, the Antioquian agricultural sector has been proactive in marketing and exploring new markets, such as the United States, Puerto Rico, and even European territories like Spain. This diversification in customer bases has played a crucial role in boosting exports.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned quality standards. How important is it for Colombian products to meet international standards to compete effectively in foreign markets?
**Camila Torres:** It’s absolutely critical. Meeting international quality and safety standards not only opens doors to new markets but also builds trust in our products. Buyers in countries like the U.S. expect high-quality goods, and Colombian agricultural producers have made significant strides in ensuring their products meet these expectations. This gives us a competitive edge and enhances our reputation as a reliable supplier.
**Interviewer:** With the growth in exports, what do you see as the next steps for Colombia’s agricultural sector to maintain and increase this momentum?
**Camila Torres:** We need to continue investing in technology and infrastructure to support farmers. Additionally, there’s room for strategic partnerships with foreign distributors to facilitate smoother logistics and marketing. Education and training for farmers are also essential to ensure they remain competitive. a comprehensive approach that combines quality production, effective marketing, and strategic partnerships will be key to sustained growth in our agricultural exports.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Camila. It’s exciting to see how Colombia is positioning itself in the global market!
**Camila Torres:** Thank you! It’s an exciting time for Colombian agriculture, and I look forward to seeing how we continue to grow and innovate in the future.