Mexican papaya exports rose 30.9% year-on-year to 2,340 containers in the first four months of 2013, according to a recent update from industry association Propapaya.

While shipments were substantially down during the period in 2012, papaya exports to April 30 this year were still up 8.8% year-on-year compared to 2011.

The update said the highest price reached in the U.S. was US$20 per box with an average of US$17.33.

"The cold remained constant during the first months of 2013, hampering the demand for papayas overseas. It is predicted that orders will rise slowly with the arrival of summer," Propapaya said.

Mexico continued to be the leading supplier of the fruit to the U.S., followed by Belize and Guatemala.

Average field prices rose incrementally from US$4.38 per box in January to US$5.54 per box in April, representing a total increase of 26%.

The update mentioned new papaya trees came into production in March, allowing for a better flow in domestic market movement, and prices actually rose despite the higher volume. However, the average price for the month was affected by the national holiday on March 18, as well as heavy rains and cold temperatures in major cities.

The update added that growers were preparing for possible scarce supply in May and June.

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