Apple market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh apple market in MERCOSUR opened the period at 1 689 thousand metric tons in 2018 and grew moderately to 1 744 thousand tons in 2019. The following year saw a decline to 1 572 thousand tons.

A recovery in 2021 lifted volume to 1 774 thousand tons, but another contraction followed in 2022, bringing the market back to 1 569 thousand tons. The most pronounced expansion occurred in 2023, when consumption jumped by 16.6% to 1 830 thousand tons. This increase was supported by concentrated apple production in Brazil's climatically favorable regions and rising export activity. The prospect of the Mercosur-European Union agreement, which promises gradual tariff elimination, also began influencing trade patterns and market sentiment.

Regional dynamics in the following years included a sharp output decline in Argentina and sustained export growth from Brazil, while intra-Mercosur trade continued to benefit from economic integration and reduced tariffs.

Production apple in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of apple, 2017-2020

World map of production of apple, 2017-2020

In 2020, MERCOSUR produced 1 608 K t of apples, representing a significant 11.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 11.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.9%. The only year that saw growth was 2019, with a modest increase of 2.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in MERCOSUR in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Apple production in MERCOSUR continued its downward trend for the third year in a row. In 2020, the value of apple output reached 1 197 M $ US, marking a sharp 19.2% drop from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value declined by 37.8%, averaging an annual decrease of 14.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in MERCOSUR in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports apple from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, K t

Apple exports from MERCOSUR declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 148.3 K t, down 3.4% from 2019. However, looking at the full 2017-2020 period, exports actually increased by 29.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.9%. The peak was reached in 2018 at 158.3 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 38.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from MERCOSUR in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, MERCOSUR's apple exports in kind showed a diversified structure. Russia accounted for 14.6% of exports, Bangladesh for 11.9%, and Bolivia for 6.0%. Together, these three countries represented just 32.5% of total export flows, with no single country holding a dominant position.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from MERCOSUR in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of apple exports from MERCOSUR fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports were valued at 110.5 M $ US, an 11.9% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value declined by 9.2%, averaging an annual drop of 3.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 145.7 M $ US, which also saw the largest annual increase of 19.8%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a 13.9% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from MERCOSUR in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, MERCOSUR's apple export market in value terms was characterized by a broad portfolio of buyers. Russia accounted for 13.4% of export value, Bangladesh for 9.9%, and the United States for 8.0%. Combined, these three countries contributed only 31.3% of total export value, with many other countries holding smaller but meaningful shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from MERCOSUR in value, 2017-2020

Imports apple to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, K t

Following two years of decline, MERCOSUR's apple import volume rebounded in 2020. Imports reached 112.7 K t, a substantial 34.6% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 14.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%. The lowest point was in 2019 at 83.7 K t, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 13.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to MERCOSUR in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Chile remained the dominant supplier of apples to MERCOSUR in kind, accounting for 36.7% of imports. Italy followed with 11.6%, and Portugal with 7.7%. Together, these three countries represented 56.0% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to MERCOSUR in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decrease, the value of apple imports into MERCOSUR rose in 2020. Imports were valued at 107.7 M $ US, reflecting a strong 33.1% gain compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 6.8%, averaging an annual growth of 2.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 80.9 M $ US, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 13.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to MERCOSUR in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Chile consistently led as the top supplier of apples to MERCOSUR in value terms, accounting for 40.3% of imports. Italy held 13.8%, and Portugal 8.4%. Collectively, these three countries made up 62.6% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to MERCOSUR in value, 2017-2020