After more than a decade of negotiations, South Africa litchis have finally been given the green light for import into the US with the first shipment is about to depart.
Phytosanitary requirements have posed the biggest hurdle but the necessary work has been done and agreement reached with the US department of agriculture on the treatment of phytosanitary pests, says Derek Donkin, CEO of Subtrop, which manages the affairs of the South African Avocado (SAAGA), Litchi (SALGA), Macadamia (SAMAC), and Mango (SAMGA), Growers’Associations.
Donkin believes the US market offers significant potential and expects it to grow over time.
The EU is currently the main market for SA litchis, devouring around 99% of the export crop.
Its phytosanitary restrictions are far less stringent because of the colder climate where insect pests are far less likely to survive.
Around 2000-3000 tons a year are exported to the EU and with the season having just started, Donkin estimates that around 2000-2500 tons will be available for export this year.
