After the great earthquake suffered Chile, on 27 February, the Chilean grape exports to the U.S. were affected, lacking the time to deliver 140 thousand tons. Time is running out, that is why the Chilean government asked to Barack Obama, extend the deadline by 10 days the effective date of the marketing order, otherwise the national fruit export sector would be negatively affected by $ 200 million.

The U.S. Senate passed a resolution, introduced by Senator Richard G. Place, where it offers all the assistance required to the Government of Chile for the rapid recovery of the country and expressed the deepest concern and sympathy of the American people to the Government of Chile, after the earthquake the morning of 27 February.

In this context an extension of 10 days has been requested to take into concideration market orders and requirements on the quality of the fruit. The legislation that takes effect April 10, would affect mainly the domestic grape market in the United States.

Source: ASOEX