Apples, pears and quinces market in Uruguay

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh apples, pears and quinces in Uruguay contracted from 62 000 t in 2018 to 49 000 t in 2020, before rebounding to 61 000 t in 2021. Volume then stabilized around 60 000 t in 2022.

Market volume rose to 64 000 t in 2023, supported by production improvements in family farms through state-backed credits for storage and crop conversion. For example, the Masculiatte project diversified apple and quince varieties for local industrial use. Seasonal availability and accessible prices also boosted home consumption and processing into jams and preserves.

In 2024, regional market crises and adverse weather events like hail impacted producers, though state credit programs assisted with recovery and local storage. Consumer preference for fresh, healthy, and seasonal products further influenced market dynamics.

Production apples, pears and quinces in Uruguay

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

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

Uruguay's production of apples, pears, and quinces has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 48 252 tonnes, which represents a 16.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 24.3%, averaging an annual decline of 8.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 64 183 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 0.7% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Uruguay in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The value of Uruguay's apple, pear, and quince production has dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 35 906 thousand US dollars, marking a 14.0% decrease from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, the production value declined by 24.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Uruguay in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports apples, pears and quinces from Uruguay

Exports in kind, t

The export market for these fruits showed an unstable trend during this period. From 2017 to 2020, exports fluctuated significantly, with an 8.1-fold difference between the highest and lowest points. In 2020, Uruguay exported 1 003 tonnes, which was a sharp decline of 78.1% compared to 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with exports rising by 28.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the three largest markets for Uruguay's exports in volume were Italy, France, and Russia. Together, these countries accounted for 74.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms exhibited volatility over the observed period. There was an 8.1-fold variation between the peak in 2017 and the low in 2020. In 2020, the value of apple, pear, and quince shipments from Uruguay stood at 746 thousand US dollars, representing a dramatic fall of 77.5% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a rise of 28.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary buyers of Uruguay's apples, pears, and quinces in value terms were Italy, France, and Brazil. Italy accounted for 38.9% of exports, France for 29.0%, and Brazil for 11.2%. Combined, these three markets made up 79.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports apples, pears and quinces to Uruguay

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed irregular changes, indicating a volatile market. There was a 2.5-fold variation between the minimum in 2019 and the maximum in 2020. In 2020, Uruguay imported 1 748 tonnes, which was a substantial increase of 154.4% compared to 2019. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 687 tonnes, with the largest decline of 58.7% also occurring that year.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Argentina, Italy, and Spain were the key partners for Uruguay's imports in volume. Argentina contributed 56.5% of imports, Italy 21.7%, and Spain 11.5%. Together, these three countries accounted for 89.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market in value terms displayed signs of volatility during this period. Imports reached their highest point in 2018 and fell to their lowest in 2019, with a 2.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the value of foreign apple, pear, and quince supplies to Uruguay was 1 648 thousand US dollars, showing an intense gain of 120.1% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 749 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2018 at 1 856 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 59.7%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Argentina, Italy, and Spain remained the leading sources for Uruguay's imports in value terms. Argentina accounted for 47.8% of imports, Italy for 28.5%, and Spain for 12.7%. Collectively, these three countries represented 89.1% of total import flows.

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

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