Producers and shippers of specialty crops are becoming increasingly concerned about rising oil prices. These costs affect the sector not only because of the increase in transport rates to bring the product to the markets, but also by drastically increasing the cost of fertilizers and plastic packaging.

Truckers are less willing to accept long routes when they have the alternative of making deliveries in the vicinity.

A slight increase in Mexican blueberry arrivals is anticipated via Arizona, California and Texas. Trading activity was moderate at first and slower afterwards. Prices have come down a bit due to the increase in Chilean volumes. The current production comes from Jalisco and the north of Sinaloa is expected to start bottling in mid or late March.

Movement of Chilean blueberries by ship through the various East and West Coast ports of entry will decline as the season is well past its peak and quality issues are emerging. Port activity on the East Coast has been quite slow with lower prices. On the West Coast, activity has been more subdued at lower prices.

The arrival of cucumber from Mexico through Nogales, Arizona, is expected to be more or less the same. Trading activity is subdued, with some prices slightly higher and others much higher. There is talk of variable quality. The arrival of Mexican cucumber through Texas is expected to be more or less unchanged. Trading was subdued at first and somewhat more active afterwards, with prices ranging from high to much higher.

Most of the current shipments correspond to previous orders or commitments, and there is talk of variable quality. Cucumber ship shipments from Central America to South Florida ports are expected to be slightly down and sporadic, with ship delays continuing to affect movement.