Apricots market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, apricot production in MERCOSUR increased gradually, reaching 27 324 t in 2020. This growth was supported by the ongoing regional economic integration under the Treaty of Asunción, which facilitated trade within the bloc. The 2019 agreement on mutual protection of geographical indications reinforced the value of regional agricultural products, providing incentives for steady output. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains, but government measures to mitigate its effects helped maintain production levels.

After 2020, growth moderated, with a slight dip to 27 359 t in 2022. This decline coincided with internal political pressures between key MERCOSUR members and uncertainty surrounding free trade negotiations with external blocs like the European Union and EFTA, which may have affected investment and market stability. Production recovered to 27 453 t in 2023, aided by the conclusion of the free trade agreement with EFTA, opening new export opportunities for agricultural goods.

Looking ahead, the formal accession of Bolivia to MERCOSUR in July 2024 and the implementation of the Kigali Amendment for energy efficiency in refrigeration indicate evolving regulatory frameworks that could influence agricultural market dynamics in the region.

Production apricots in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of apricots, 2017-2020

World map of production of apricots, 2017-2020

MERCOSUR's apricot production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 27 324 tons of apricots, marking a 0.9% increase from the previous year.

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

Exports apricots from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, t

The export market for apricots from MERCOSUR showed significant volatility during this period. Exports hit a low of 0.1 tons in 2018, then surged by 459.5% to reach a higher level in 2019. In 2020, foreign supplies of apricots from MERCOSUR totaled 0.2 tons, which is 32.5% lower than in 2019. Overall, exports varied dramatically, with a 315-fold difference between the peak in 2017 and the trough in 2018, and the largest decline of 99.7% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey and the Marshall Islands were the main buyers of apricots from MERCOSUR, together accounting for 1.5% of total exports in volume terms.

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, K $ US

The value of apricot exports from MERCOSUR exhibited volatility over the observed years. Volumes reached their highest point in 2017 and fell to their lowest in 2018, representing a 145-fold shift. In 2020, apricot shipments abroad were valued at 1.1 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp increase of 41.4% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 0.2 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 99.3% that year, while the largest increase of 382.7% occurred in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Marshall Islands (2.0% of exports by value), Singapore (0.8%), and Cyprus (0.8%) were the top buyers of apricots from MERCOSUR, though they were not dominant. Together, these three countries made up 3.6% of total exports in value terms, with many smaller partners accounting for the rest.

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

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

Imports apricots to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, t

Apricot imports into MERCOSUR have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 113.9 tons, down 4.7% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 42.1%, which translates to an average annual decline of 16.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile was the primary supplier of apricots to MERCOSUR, holding 83.0% of total imports in volume. The remaining imports came from a diverse range of other countries.

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, K $ US

Cross-border apricot shipments into MERCOSUR have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, MERCOSUR imported apricots worth 292.1 thousand US dollars, a significant drop of 11.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 49.5%, averaging an annual decrease of 20.3%.

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

During 2017–2020, Chile accounted for 74.1% of total apricot imports by value into MERCOSUR. The remaining imports were spread across a broad group of smaller countries.

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

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