Almonds market in Chile

Earlier Report Observations

The Chilean almond market volume stood at 36 102 tons in 2018, supported by established orchards dominated by the Non Pareil variety and partial mechanization of harvests. In 2019, market volume dipped to 34 875 tons, while industry discussions highlighted the potential for yield improvements through technological innovation and the introduction of European varieties to expand production southward. A sharp rise followed in 2020, lifting market volume to 42 773 tons.

Market volume continued to grow to 46 281 tons in 2021. The following year, it stabilized at 45 604 tons as production increased due to expanded planted area and better yields, aided by further mechanization and efficient sustainable solutions. In 2023, market volume declined to 41 463 tons, coinciding with a push by producers to expand into international markets, notably after a customs protocol with China allowed exports of shelled almonds, making Chile the only country with all its fresh fruits authorized in that market.

Production almonds in Chile

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Chile ranked as the 12th largest producer of almonds globally.

Top producers of almonds, 2018-2021

World map of production of almonds, 2018-2021

Chile's almond production volume grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 48,805 tonnes of almonds, marking a moderate year-on-year increase of 7.8%. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 19.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Chile in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Chile's almond production value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 293.5 million US dollars, reflecting a slight decrease of 1.8% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production value fell by 5.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Chile in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports almonds from Chile

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Chile's almond export volume reached 7,671 tonnes, showing an 18.2% increase from the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 6,490 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 10,302 tonnes. The largest decline of 37.0% took place in 2020, whereas the highest increase of 33.9% was observed in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Chile in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Russia, Argentina, and Brazil were the primary buyers of Chilean almonds by volume, accounting for 26.4%, 19.9%, and 16.9% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 63.2% of total almond exports from Chile.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Chile in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Chile exported almonds worth 46,130 thousand US dollars, indicating a measured uptick of 7.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 21%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 42,855 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 74,297 thousand US dollars. The largest decline of 42.3% occurred in 2020, and the largest increase of 27.3% was in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Chile in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Russia, Argentina, and Brazil consistently remained the main destinations for Chilean almond exports by value, with shares of 26.1%, 19.6%, and 17.0%, respectively. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 62.7% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Chile in value, 2018-2021

Imports almonds to Chile

Imports in kind, t

Chile's almond import volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 5,147 tonnes, up by 29.1% from 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 71.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 19.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 2,589 tonnes. The largest decline of 13.9% occurred in 2019, while the highest increase of 54.0% was in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Chile in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, the import market for almonds in Chile was highly concentrated, with the United States alone responsible for 98.8% of total imports by volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Chile in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Chile's almond import value rose for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totalled 25,512 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a substantial year-on-year advance of 11.5%. From 2018 to 2021, import value increased by 36%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 17,277 thousand US dollars. The largest decline of 7.9% took place in 2019, whereas the highest increase of 32.4% was observed in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Chile in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, the United States almost entirely dominated the geographical structure of almond imports to Chile by value, holding a share of 98.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Chile in value, 2018-2021