Apple market in Mexico

Earlier Report Observations

The Mexican fresh apple market volume experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. It expanded from 889 thousand tons in 2018 to over 1 million tons in 2019, then contracted for two consecutive years to a low of 785 thousand tons in 2021. The market subsequently recovered, reaching 976 thousand tons in 2022 and 1 020 thousand tons in 2023.

The sharp decline in 2021, which saw production fall to 632 thousand tons and market volume drop by 16.5%, was primarily driven by increased production costs. A rise in fertilizer prices raised input expenses for growers, while a 3.1% annual reduction in irrigated water volume threatened to constrain future supply, putting downward pressure on output.

Despite persistent global challenges such as higher logistics and energy costs, along with pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, the market rebounded strongly in 2022 and continued to grow in 2023. Improved production and export prospects for the 2023 season supported this upward trend, even as logistical delays and container shortages presented ongoing hurdles.

Production apple in Mexico

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Mexico ranked as the 20th largest apple producer in the world.

Top producers of apple, 2018-2021

World map of production of apple, 2018-2021

Mexico's apple production declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 631.8 thousand tons of apples, marking an 11.5% drop from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 4.2%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 1.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 761.5 thousand tons, with the largest year-over-year increase of 15.4% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports apple from Mexico

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports hit their lowest point in 2020 at 0.1 thousand tons, with the largest decline of 95.4% recorded that year. They then peaked in 2019, creating a 22-fold difference between the high and low points. In 2021, Mexico exported 0.3 thousand tons of apples, representing a dramatic increase of 543.3% compared to 2020.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the export market was highly concentrated, with Belize alone accounting for 95.2% of Mexico's total apple exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2020 at 0.1 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 94.5% occurring that year. They then peaked in 2019, showing an 18-fold difference between the high and low points. In 2021, Mexico's apple export value totaled 0.5 million US dollars, which was a substantial increase of 952.6% compared to 2020.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Belize dominated Mexico's apple export structure in value terms, holding a 95.5% share of total export flows.

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

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

Imports apple to Mexico

Imports in kind, K t

Mexico's apple imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country imported 154.0 thousand tons of apples, which was a sharp decrease of 32.0% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports fell by 32.9%, equating to an average annual decline of 12.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 283.3 thousand tons, with the largest year-over-year increase of 23.5% also occurring that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Mexico's apple imports were heavily dependent on the United States, which accounted for 98.2% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Apple imports into Mexico declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports amounted to 196.8 million US dollars, representing a 21.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports dropped by 32%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.1%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the import structure in value terms was highly concentrated, with the United States alone responsible for 98.3% of total import flows.

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

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