Apples, pears and quinces market in Argentina

Earlier Report Observations

The domestic market for fresh apples, pears and quinces in Argentina expanded from 697 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 834 thousand tonnes in 2020. This growth was supported by the formalization of quality protocols for fresh apples and pears in 2018, which allowed companies to access the 'Alimentos Argentinos' seal and benefits like export duty rebates, enhancing competitiveness. Furthermore, the declaration of an economic and productive emergency for the pear and apple chain in key provinces in 2019 led to special fiscal measures that alleviated tax burdens and facilitated continued production, helping to sustain market volume.

Market volume then contracted to 684 thousand tonnes in 2022. A noted drop in domestic apple consumption and a reduction in fresh apple export volumes and value in 2021 contributed to this decline. Subsequently, adverse climatic factors in 2022, including cold and rainy periods that impacted flowering and fruit conservation, particularly for varieties like Red Delicious, led to reduced production and quality, further pressuring the available supply for the local market.

A recovery followed in 2023, with the market volume reaching 830 thousand tonnes. The consolidation of leading producers implementing advanced technology, such as AI-based sorting machines to improve fruit quality, strengthened the sector's efficiency and international competitiveness. Concurrently, ongoing phytosanitary certification and control for exports, along with an increase in authorized cold treatment chambers and exporters for markets like Mexico, supported external demand, which in turn influenced domestic market dynamics.

Production apples, pears and quinces in Argentina

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Argentina was among the world's leading producers of apples, pears, and quinces from 2017 to 2020, ranking 15th globally by production volume.

Top producers of apples, pears and quinces, 2017-2020

World map of production of apples, pears and quinces, 2017-2020

Argentina's production of apples, pears, and quinces grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 275.8 thousand tons, marking a moderate increase of 8.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 26.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of apples, pears, and quinces in Argentina was valued at 922 million US dollars, representing a 2.3% increase from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 902 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 1 035 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 12.9%, and the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 10.7%.

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

Exports apples, pears and quinces from Argentina

Exports in kind, K t

Argentina's exports of apples, pears, and quinces increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 443.6 thousand tons, up 6.6% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 24.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, Russia, and the United States were the top destinations for Argentina's exports in kind. Brazil accounted for 30.2% of exports, Russia for 23.2%, and the United States for 11.5%, together making up 64.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Argentina's exports of apples, pears, and quinces were valued at 320.7 million US dollars, showing no significant change from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 3.4%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 1.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 320.2 million US dollars, and the highest in 2018 at 384.7 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 16.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 15.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, Russia, and the United States consistently led as the main destinations for Argentina's exports in value terms. Brazil accounted for 28.9% of exports, Russia for 20.7%, and the United States for 14.6%, together representing 64.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports apples, pears and quinces to Argentina

Imports in kind, K t

The import market for apples, pears, and quinces in Argentina showed an unstable trend during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 1.1 thousand tons and peaked in 2017, with a 9.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports rose to 1.5 thousand tons, a dramatic increase of 31.6% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, dropping by 75.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile and Brazil were the two key sources for Argentina's imports in kind, together accounting for 88.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The import market in value terms exhibited volatility over the observed period. Imports dropped to their minimum in 2019 at 1.0 million US dollars and reached their maximum in 2017, showing a 10.7-fold shift. In 2020, imports amounted to 1.3 million US dollars, up 25.5% from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 77.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile and Brazil clearly dominated Argentina's imports in value terms, with their combined share reaching 89.1% of total import flows.

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

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