Fresh produce exports show signs of growth

TOTAL non-traditional fresh produce exports increased by 4.7 per cent between June and July 2001, from an FOB (Free on board) value of US$2.55 million up to US$2.67 million.

An increase of 18 per cent was also evident comparing July 2000, from an FOB value of US$2.26 million up to US$2.67 million. To date, non-traditional fresh produce earnings for each month of 2001 has surpassed the earnings for the corresponding month of 2000.

In July 2001, 'Root Crops' exports topped the list with US$1.47 million, followed by 'Fruits' with US$0.78 million. Over the previous month, roots showed an increase, up from US$1.33 million to US$1.47 million while fruits showed a decrease down from US$0.81 million to US$0.78.

The top 10 products accounted for 89 per cent of the total US-dollar value of fresh produce exported during the month. Yam shipments topped the list followed by Papaya and Mango.

Yam values increased up from US$1.05 million in June to US$ 1.18 million in July 2001, compared to US$1.09 million in July 2000.

Papaya saw a decrease down from US$327,329 in June 2001 to US$297,161 in July 2001 (compared to US$205,617 million in July 2000).

Mango exports decreased between June and July 2001 down from US$342,935 to US$230,298.

Sweet Potato exports decreased between June and July 2001 down from US$ 144,935 to US$ 134,756 (but showing an increase over July 2000 of US$104,107).

Thyme showed an increase between June and July 2001, up from US$117,989 to US$129,547 also showing an increase over July 2000 up from US$103,398.

The other products making the top 10 listing were dasheen, breadfruit, tangelo ugli, pepper and pumpkin. Orange and kolanut dropped out of the top ten from the previous month.

In terms of destination markets, the United States market was valued at US$1.56 million or 58.3 per cent of the total (up from 57.1 per cent in June); United Kingdom, US$0.51 million - 18.9 per cent (down from 21.6 per cent in June) and Canada US$0.46 million - 18.1 per cent (up from 15.5 per cent in June). Sea shipment accounted for 53 per cent of the value exported and air shipment, 47 per cent.

NOTE: This information has been compiled by the Jamaica Exporters' Association from commercial export invoices prepared by exporters for each individual shipment. The data is processed on a daily basis by the Plant Quarantine Department (Marketing and Credit Division, Ministry of Agriculture) and the JEA. For additional information contact Charles Reid or Eileen Chong at the JEA.

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