Apples, pears and quinces market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market volume for fresh apples, pears and quinces in South America fluctuated, reaching 4.1 million tons in 2021. The region, led by Argentina, maintained a strong production base as the leading pear exporter in the Southern Hemisphere and fifth globally for apples, with output concentrated in the Río Negro and Neuquén provinces. Internal market cycles, influenced by currency lag and dollar inflation since 2010, historically affected planting areas but did not prevent overall market growth during this period.

Market volume dipped to 3.8 million tons in 2022 before surging 24% to 4.7 million tons in 2023. This sharp increase was supported by Brazil reopening its market to Argentine pears and apples after sanitary negotiations, alongside a broader regional shift where Latin America consolidated as the primary destination for South American exports. The loss of the Russian market, which had imported around 40 000 tons, redirected more fruit to domestic and neighboring markets, contributing to higher internal availability. Simultaneously, imports rose to 778 000 tons, further expanding supply.

Into 2024, export momentum continued with 15 companies shipping pears and apples to Mexico under a cold treatment origin program, representing a 44% increase in authorized facilities. Shipments to Brazil remained robust under the Carpocapsa Risk Mitigation System. Domestically, however, stocks declined amid market saturation in Brazil and local markets, quality issues, and competition from other origins, putting downward pressure on apple prices and highlighting ongoing commercial challenges.

Production apples, pears and quinces in South America

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

South America's production of apples, pears, and quinces has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 4 383 thousand tonnes of these fruits, marking a moderate decrease of 3.1% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 5%, which translates to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, the value of apples, pears, and quinces production in South America saw an increase. In 2020, the output was valued at 5 109 million US dollars, representing a 3.3% rise year-over-year. However, over the broader 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 11.1%, with a CAGR of -3.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 4 946 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 11.8%.

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

Exports apples, pears and quinces from South America

Exports in kind, K t

Cross-border shipments of apples, pears, and quinces from South America declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 922 thousand tonnes of these fruits, reflecting a 9.6% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 3.5%, equating to an annualized rate of -1.2%. The peak was in 2018 with 1 058 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 10.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, exports in kind of apples, pears, and quinces from South America were relatively evenly distributed. Russia accounted for 11.0% of these exports, the United States for 9.8%, and the Netherlands for 5.7%, with their combined share reaching only 26.6% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of apples, pears, and quinces exports from South America declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 075 million US dollars, which is 3.7% lower than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 9.7%, corresponding to an annualized rate of -3.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 307 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 9.8%, while 2019 experienced the largest decline of 14.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms of apples, pears, and quinces from South America were not concentrated in a few key markets. The United States held a 12.2% share, Russia 9.7%, and the Netherlands 6.5%, with these three countries together accounting for only 28.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports apples, pears and quinces to South America

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, South America's imports of apples, pears, and quinces totaled 430 thousand tonnes, remaining stable compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 4.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.4%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 304 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 26.2%, while the peak was in 2019 at 432 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 42.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, Portugal, the United States, and Italy played notable but not dominant roles as suppliers of apples, pears, and quinces to South America. Portugal accounted for 8.2% of imports in kind, the United States for 4.8%, and Italy for 3.1%, with their combined share reaching only 16.1% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year drop, the value of apples, pears, and quinces imports into South America increased. In 2020, imports stood at 529 million US dollars, showing a limited improvement of 3.1% compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 3.4%, with a CAGR of -1.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 513 million US dollars, while 2018 saw the largest decline of 4.0%.

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

The partner structure of imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 remained fragmented. Portugal accounted for 8.8% of these imports, the United States for 6.7%, and Italy for 3.8%, with their combined share totaling only 19.3% of total flows, and no single country achieving a dominant position.

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

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