The Argentine government has announced the Mexican market is now open for lemon exporters, marking the third major market opening for the industry in as many months. 

A release said authorities from both countries had agreed upon the phyotsanitary requirements for the export of fresh fruit.

"We are beginning to see the results of the international efforts that we have been doing with different trade partners since we formed a government and they are extremely significant for the regional economies like the Argentine Northwest," Agriculture Minister Ricardo Buryaile said.

He added this matter had been a priority on the agenda with Mexico and encouraged him to keep working to gain access for other fruits like sweet citrus, cherries and blueberries.

The development comes after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said on May 1 that it would not extend its stay on lemon imports from Northwest Argentina, the main growing region.

The country also shipped its first lemons to Brazil in eight years in late June.

Argentina's phytosanitary watchdog pointed out the country's lemon season was drawing to a close, and full exports were expected to begin to Mexico from next year. Some shipments may take place this season, however.

Four packers are currently registered for export to Mexico.

Argentina is the world's largest fresh lemon exporter, having shipped nearly 280,000 metric tons (MT) in 2016 with a value of US$289 million.

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