总台记者探访丨应季的水果棘手的关税 智利水果产业“愁”

Core Viewpoint - Chilean fruit industry faces significant challenges due to new U.S. tariff policies, impacting the export of seasonal fruits and raising concerns among producers and exporters [2][10]. Group 1: Impact on Producers - Approximately 30% of Chile's fruit exports go to the U.S., with a significant portion of fresh grapes and citrus fruits affected by the new tariffs [2][10]. - The introduction of the Sweet Globe grape, which requires two years of cultivation, is now jeopardized by the tariff situation, leading to concerns about future profitability [4][6]. - Profit margins for fresh grapes have become extremely tight, with current conditions reaching the profit bottom line for producers [6]. Group 2: Export and Processing Challenges - A fruit processing plant, operational for 29 years, processes kiwi for export, with 35% of its fresh fruit sent to the U.S. The new tariff issue is a major concern for both Chilean exporters and U.S. importers [8][10]. - The market manager of the processing plant indicated that the tariffs could lead to increased retail prices, potentially reducing demand for Chilean fruits [10]. - In 2024, it is projected that 90% of citrus fruits and 60% of fresh grapes exported from Chile will go to the U.S., highlighting the critical nature of the U.S. market for these products [10]. Group 3: Logistics and Shipping Concerns - The president of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association expressed concerns about the impact of tariffs on the final stages of the fresh grape export season and the logistics challenges faced by exporters [11]. - A significant shipping company reported a 30% decrease in export shipping volume to the U.S. from some countries, exacerbating the logistical issues for the Chilean fruit industry [11].