Mexico's mango exports fell by 5% last week to 1.3 million boxes but shipments are set to increase significantly over the coming fortnight, according to the National Mango Board (NMB).

The NMB says the country is expected to ship 1.6 million cartons this week and 1.8 million cartons this week.

Weekly average prices for Ataulfo mangoes at the Texas entry port decreased by 10% last week while in Arizona they fell by 3%. The weekly average for the Haden variety also fell by 4% while Tommy Atkins prices dropped by 3%.

Mexico’s mango season began in February and will run until September with about 54.4 million boxes forecast to be exported.

Guatemala sent about 190,080 boxes last week representing 89% more than the previous week. Projections for the next two weeks are 300,000 boxes each week.

Ataulfo shipments began mid-February and Tommy Atkins shipments will begin in mid-March. Guatemala's mango season began mid-February and will run until the end of May with about 4 million boxes.

Costa Rica sent about 95,040 boxes last week, representing 9% less than the previous week. Projections for the next two weeks are 99,792 boxes each week. The country's mango season will begin the end of February and will run until mid-June with approximately 600,000 boxes.

Peru sent about 44,512 boxes last week, which was 82% less than the previous week. Projections for the next two weeks are 44,000 and 22,000 boxes respectively with the season finishing at the end of this month at a total of about 6.2 million boxes.

Photo: National Mango Board

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