Chile has officially opened its market to fresh lemon imports from Argentina, according to an announcement by Argentina’s National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service (SENASA).
Chile’s Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) notified SENASA of the publication of Exempt Resolution No. 5040 on July 11, outlining phytosanitary requirements for Argentine lemons. SENASA reports that in the first half of 2025, 142,000 tons of lemons have been certified for export to destinations including the U.S., Russia, and the Netherlands.
Argentina’s Federation of Citrus Producers highlighted in a news release that Argentine lemons will be able to enter Chile duty-free under the Economic Complementarity Agreement No. 35 between Mercosur and Chile. Although Chile is self-sufficient due to significant domestic production of lemons, it may be convenient to supply its domestic market with Argentine lemons to strengthen its own exports to foreign markets with which it has preferential access. The agreement will also promote a strategic partnership between each country’s citrus sector.
Argentina is the top importer of lemons into the U.S. This shift begs the question: Could this shift pivot some lemon volume from Argentina away from the U.S. market? Furthermore, could this be a significant enough shift to help California lemon growers, particularly those in District Two, who compete with lemon imports from Argentina each season, or just open the door for more imports from Chile? The outcome remains to be seen.
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