en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Coquimbo Port Terminal recently launched the 2026 citrus season, with the first vessel, "Arctic Peru," completing the placement of 130 refrigerated containers and loading 65 containers of clementines, mandarins, tangerines, pomegranates, and lemons destined for international markets. This move further consolidates the Coquimbo region's position as a key logistics hub for small fruit exports from northern Chile.

According to estimates by the Citrus Committee of the Chilean Fruit Association, Chile's national citrus exports for 2025 will total approximately 444,000 tons, an 11% increase over the previous season. Mandarins are expected to be the variety with the highest growth, followed by clementines and lemons. Ernesto Pionka, General Manager of the Coquimbo Port Company, stated: "The new season is an important milestone for regional exporters, who can ship large volumes of citrus directly through the Coquimbo Port, fulfilling the goal of Berth 3 to serve regional cargo." TPC Deputy Commercial Manager Macarena Lemus pointed out that the season's launch reflects collaboration among the port, shipping companies, transporters, and service sectors, and that the port is prepared for refrigerated operations to ensure fruit quality at its destination.

This season also reinforces phytosanitary measures. Vicente Cortés, Regional Minister of Agriculture for Coquimbo, stated: "Due to the controls implemented following the fruit fly incident, the Agricultural and Livestock Service is strengthening field work, working together with the agricultural sector and the port to ensure quarantine safety." He also emphasized that public-private cooperation helps maintain phytosanitary standards and promotes Chilean citrus exports to the United States and global markets. Paula Vásquez, Regional Director of ProChile in Coquimbo, noted that port operations drive employment, logistics, and regional economic vitality. The United States remains the largest export destination for Chilean citrus, especially for clementines and mandarins; Japan is an important market for Chilean lemons.

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