Strikes in several key Portuguese ports have cut back pear industry exports to Brazil down to 15% of capacity for the last two weeks, according to Portugal Fresh president Manuel Évora.

Évora told website Cmjornal.xl.pt the picketing that has taken over such ports as Lisbon, Viana do Castelo, Aveiro, Figueira da Foz, Sines and Setúbal has meant Rocha pear exports to Brazil have been cut down to 150MT for the period.

"We estimate that these two weeks, just with pears, a turnover of just over €2 million (US$2.6 million) has been lost," he was quoted as saying.

"Our customers, facing the breach of orders, may find themselves in need to find suppliers from other countries and break the channels of commerce with Portuguese companies."

He added the situation was forcing some companies to stop operations and lay off workers.

Related story: Portuguese strike impacts 'very bad' for business, says fruit exporter

Photo: El Norte

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