Argentina Update: New information available regarding the importation of lemons from northwest Argentina to the United States.

Working For You on a Global Level

As you face the challenges of conducting international business, we provide assistance with issues related to import and export trade. Western Growers tackles a wide range of obstacles affecting export markets so your business can succeed in the global marketplace.

From Our Members

Western Growers has proven to be an effective and knowledgeable resource whether dealing with U.S. or foreign government trade regulations. — Rodney Van Bebber, Pappas Produce Sales, Inc.

Whether dealing with invasive pest issues or trade regulations in a foreign market, Western Growers can provide expert assistance and support in resolving trade related issues. — Steve Smith, Turlock Fruit Company, Inc.

Western Growers has been instrumental in directly engaging with government officials on behalf of my company in resolving international border issues ensuring the continued flow trade between the U.S. and Mexico. — Victor Smith, JVSmith Companies

Western Growers is my first call when faced with an international trade issue demanding immediate attention. — Chad Amaral, D'Arrigo Bros. Co. of California

Country Specific Info

Contact Information:

Office of Agricultural Affairs, Buenos Aires
U.S. Embassy, Buenos Aires
(011-54-11) 5777-4627
agbuenosaires@fas.usda.gov

Helpful Links:
Helpful Documents:
Country specific data deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The information for Argentina was last updated Tuesday, July 12th.
Argentina

Lemons

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has extended by 30 days the comment period on a proposed rule that would amend U.S. import requirements to allow the importation of lemons from northwest Argentina until August 10, 2016. In a letter to APHIS, Western Growers requested the comment period be extended 120 days, citing concerns that outdated pest risk assessments could expose California and Arizona citrus growers to quarantined pests. 

Apples and Pears

Listed 2010-2014: Since 2009, Argentina has blocked imports of U.S. apples and pears due to concerns about the efficacy of post-harvest treatments for Erwinia amylovora (the bacterium that causes fire blight). The United States has submitted technical information to Argentine plant health officials documenting that there is no evidence that mature, symptomless apple and pear fruit transmit fire blight. The United States will continue to work with Argentine officials to address the issue and reinstate the issuance of permits for importation.

The U.S. industry has stated in the past that they believe Argentina would be a small but good market for U.S. apples and pears during Argentina’s off-season. However, the Argentine fruit industry has recently improved its cold storage capacity and has expanded its marketing season. We see a potential market of $1 million annually for both apples (70 percent share) and pears (30 percent share) during Argentina’s off season.

Trade Agreements

Trade Promotion Authority

Trade Promotion Authority is a tool that Congress gives to the Executive Branch that allows U.S. negotiators to reach the best deal possible with foreign markets. Learn more about details related to the TPA process.

Trans Pacific Partnership

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a regional regulatory and investment treaty.  Twelve countries throughout the Asia Pacific region are participated in negotiations: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States, and Vietnam.

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is a proposed free trade agreement between the European Union and the United States.

Your International Trade Contacts

Ken Barbic
Sr. Director, Federal Government Affairs
kbarbic@wga.com
202-296-0191 x7302
Ken Gilliland
Director, International Trade & Transportation
kgilliland@wga.com
949-885-2267

Global MRL Database

The Global MRL Database is an Internet‐accessible electronic database containing global chemical regulatory standards and data, including maximum residue limits ("MRLs") for various chemicals in agricultural crops that are applicable in certain legal jurisdictions.

Go to the Global MRL Database

International Trade Information

International Trade Information

Each Country establishes its own phytosanitary requirements. WG can assist members in determining these country specific requirements. Simply complete the following request and submit.

Western Growers staff can research your commodity and country specific request and provide you with the current phytosanitary requirements.

Foreign countries set their own pesticide MRLs, many times below those of the United States. Therefore, it is imperative that prior to exporting shippers confirm the acceptable level of the foreign country.

WG can assist you in determining MRLs or you can search the MRL Database. This database contains maximum acceptable levels of pesticides agricultural products in the United States, as well as 70 other countries, the European Union and the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Included are more than 300 fruit, vegetable and nut commodities, as well as more than 270 pesticides approved for use on those commodities by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

WG regularly receives notifications through the USDA when countries are proposing new or amending current MRLs. WG reviews any notification to determine if the proposed change will reduce the MRL to an unreasonable low threshold, or establish an MRL below that of the United States, which could result in a potential violation for an exporter failing to meet the new standard.

In the event an MRL violation should occur, WG will assist the member in responding to the foreign country and help to develop a Compliance Plan.

To request information on a particular MRL complete the following and submit

Many countries maintain a wide range of bound or applied tariffs on specific commodities. You can either log on or register to the World Trade Organization Tariff Database to do your own search or complete the following and submit and WG will send you the requested tariff information.

Contact Information

 
To access the data base and perform your own search please use the Global MRL Database.