Apples, pears and quinces market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh apples, pears and quinces in MERCOSUR fluctuated between 2.1 million and 2.4 million tons from 2018 to 2023. After reaching 2.3 million tons in 2019, it dipped in 2020, partly as exports remained strong to destinations such as Portugal. That year, the bloc implemented the standardized NCM 0808 classification for these fruits, which streamlined customs and regulatory procedures for intra‑regional trade.

Market volume recovered sharply in 2021 and again in 2023, when it peaked at 2.4 million tons. During this period, Brazil – a major player within MERCOSUR – suspended imports of apples, pears and quinces from Argentina due to the detection of the codling moth (Cydia pomonella), tightening phytosanitary controls. In the same year, Brazil also secured access for its apples to the Peruvian market, broadening export opportunities. By 2024, adverse weather and limited harvests in Brazil pushed prices higher, while planting initiatives in southern Minas Gerais aimed to boost regional supply. Brazilian apple exports continued to expand, reaching 10 thousand tons and USD 9.4 million in 2024.

Production apples, pears and quinces in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

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

In 2019, MERCOSUR reached its peak production of apples, pears, and quinces at 2,470 thousand tons. The following year, in 2020, production declined to 2,324 thousand tons, marking a modest decrease of 5.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 3.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.1%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, with a growth rate of 3.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

MERCOSUR experienced a third consecutive year of decline in the value of its apples, pears, and quinces production. In 2020, the output was valued at $1,914 million, reflecting a gradual decrease of 8.6% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, the total value of production dropped by 20.4%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 7.3%.

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

Exports apples, pears and quinces from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, MERCOSUR exported 440.7 thousand tons of apples, pears, and quinces, showing a slight increase of 2.0% compared to 2019. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 446.4 thousand tons, which also saw the largest year-on-year increase of 17.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant decline, with a drop of 3.2%. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 16.2%, averaging an annual increase of 5.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, MERCOSUR's exports of apples, pears, and quinces were distributed across a wide range of markets. The top three destinations—Russia (22.1% of export volume), the United States (9.9%), and Italy (5.2%)—collectively accounted for only 37.1% of total exports. Numerous other countries held smaller but still notable shares, highlighting the diversity of the export portfolio.

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

MERCOSUR's export value of apples, pears, and quinces declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to $362.9 million, down by 0.9% from 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at $439.8 million, which also saw the largest increase of 15.7%. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 16.7%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, export value fell by 4.5%, corresponding to an average annual decline of 1.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the value of MERCOSUR's exports of apples, pears, and quinces was spread across numerous markets. The leading destinations—Russia (19.8% of export value), the United States (12.8%), and Italy (5.6%)—together represented just 38.2% of total exports. This distribution underscores the broad and varied nature of the export market.

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

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

Imports apples, pears and quinces to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, MERCOSUR imported 225.7 thousand tons of apples, pears, and quinces, a slight decrease of 1.9% from the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 142.9 thousand tons, which also experienced the largest decline of 44.8%. In contrast, 2019 saw the most significant increase, with a jump of 60.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, total imports fell by 12.9%, averaging an annual decline of 4.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, MERCOSUR's imports of apples, pears, and quinces came from a diverse set of suppliers. The top three sources—Portugal (17.3% of import volume), Chile (15.6%), and Italy (4.8%)—combined for only 37.7% of total imports. Many other countries contributed smaller but meaningful shares, reflecting a broad supplier base.

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

Following two years of decline, MERCOSUR's imports of apples, pears, and quinces increased in 2020. The import value reached $229.2 million, up by 1.5% from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at $225.9 million, which also saw the largest decline of 10.7%. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, total import value decreased by 16.1%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 5.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, MERCOSUR's imports of apples, pears, and quinces in value terms were characterized by a wide distribution across markets. The leading suppliers—Portugal (18.3% of import value), Chile (17.0%), and Spain (5.8%)—together accounted for only 41.1% of total imports. This pattern indicates a highly diversified import structure with contributions from many other countries.

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

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