The Chilean Exporters Association (ASOEX) released a statement this week confirming that the country’s fresh fruit industry is assessing the impact of last weekend’s magnitude-8.8 earthquake.

According to the statement, "...it remains too early to deliver a full long-term analysis, but early indications are that large parts of the industry have emerged with minimal damage and the short-term prospects for trade are good."

ASOEX is working on confirming reports of damage to some packing sheds, cold storage facilities, transportation links, ports and airports. Currently the main port of Valparaiso is working to almost full capacity, with vessels departing and loading for departure this week. In addition to Valparaiso, the San Antonio Port is currently under evaluation and the Port of Coquimbo is working normally.

"Although it's too early to measure the likely mid- to long-term impact of the earthquake on fruit supplies for export, initial reports are encouraging," said ASOEX Chairman Ronald Bown. "A number of the key packing facilities escaped with minimal damage and where roads and bridges are impassible, alternate routes are available. Because Chile has moved to the peak of the harvest season, a substantial volume of fruit is on the water headed for international ports. We do not anticipate major disruption in fruit supplies."

ASOEX is working on a complete diagnosis of the situation and updates will be posted at www.chileanfreshfruit.com.