Mexico recorded a 29% year-on-year increase in its avocado exports in the first half of 2014, thanks to huge growth in shipments to markets like the U.S., Japan and Canada.

The country's Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fishing and Food (SAGARPA) reported that exports between January and June this year were around 353,000 metric tons (MT), equating to US$794 million.

Mexican avocados were sold in 21 countries, including the U.S., Japan, Canada, France, China, Hong Kong, the U.K., Singapore and Costa Rica.

China saw the biggest growth of any export market by a long way. Shipments to the country over the same six months were valued at US$2.97 million, representing a 724% year-on-year increase.

The Netherlands also played an important role in Mexico's increased avocado exports, receiving US$637,000 worth of shipments. The value was nearly a three-fold year-on-year increase.

The U.S. biggest importer of the fruit, with exports reaching US$651 million in the first half of 2014 - a 31% year-on-year increase.

The second most important destination was Japan, to which shipments increased 29% year-on-year (US$61.7 million), followed by Canada with US$46.6 million, up 33%, and Costa Rica with US$12.7 million.

Mexico produces around 467,000MT of avocados annually from 27 states. The most productive state is the central Pacific region of Michoacan, with 193,000MT, followed by neighboring Jalisco which grows 87,000MT.

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