Argentina's blueberry export season to the U.S. started slowly this year but volumes picked up dramatically in week 42 (Oct. 21), a recent report shows.

The Argentinean Blueberry Committee's latest shipment data shows a 59% year-on-year rise in shipments to the U.S. during the week, with volumes of 1,294 metric tons (MT).

In the season to week 41 (Oct. 14), Argentina's exports to the U.S. were down 33% but the recent spike means recorded shipments are now 13% higher at 1,811MT.

The committee is forecasting higher shipments in weeks 43 (Oct. 28) and 44 (Nov. 4) as well, at 1,599MT and 1,856MT respectively.

Meanwhile, North American neighbor Canada also registered a spike in Argentine blueberry imports with volumes more than doubling year-on-year to 107MT. Canada's intakes are expected to rise in weeks 43 and 44, at year-on-year rates of 40% and 36% respectively.

The outlook in Europe and Asia

Argentine blueberry exports to continental Europe rose 84% to 215MT during week 42, but U.K. shipments dropped 6% to 139MT. It is important to note that total shipments to both these markets are 242% and 83% higher respectively.

Continental European intakes of the fruit are set to fall by 30% and 67% year-on-year during weeks 43 and 44. During the two weeks the U.K.'s blueberry imports from Argentina are set to drop 4% but then rise by 55%.

Exports to Asia rose 8% during week 42 to 55MT, while the continent's imports of Argentine blueberries are forecast to jump 30% year-on-year to 66MT in week 43, followed by a 20% year-on-year rise to 75MT in week 44.

Related story: Argentine blueberry exports to Europe soar almost six-fold

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