Global exports of fresh fruits to the Philippines increased by 36 percent to $695 million in 2020.
The figure is expected further increase by 5 percent to $729 million this year, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Based on a report dated November 24, Filipino consumers have incorporated more fresh fruit into their diet since the pandemic.
The USDA said among the top fruit exporters to the Philippines are China for apples, grapes, mandarins, lemons, limes, pears, grapefruit and melons; Australia for grapes, oranges and mandarins; the United States for grapes, apples, oranges and cherries; Pakistan for mandarins and other citrus hybrids; Hong Kong for mandarins and oranges; Argentina for mandarins; New Zealand for kiwi fruit and apples; and Chile for grapes and cherries.
Despite the overall growth, US exportsof fruits to the Philippines dropped 35 percent in 2020 to $32.5 million due to ocean freight challenges.
The US is optimistic fresh fruit exports to the Philippines will bounce back to $50 million in annual sales this year once pressure on global supply chain eases.
However, Philippine importers are reporting that the shipping problem will worsen leading to the holiday season and seeks to minimize risk and by purchasing fruits within the region, given the shorter transit time.
