Brazil nuts market in Bolivia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, Brazil nuts production in Bolivia decreased from 34 196 metric tons to 30 843 metric tons, while the domestic market size contracted from 9 381 metric tons to 6 678 metric tons. During this period, Bolivia maintained its position as the world's leading exporter, accounting for 50% of global Brazil nuts exports in 2020.

The trend reversed in 2021 when production rose to 32 746 metric tons and the domestic market expanded to 9 980 metric tons. This recovery was driven by the entry of the state-owned Empresa Boliviana de Alimentos (EBA), which began purchasing nuts from gatherers in Beni and Pando, supporting over 1,460 families. Simultaneously, the opening of the Chinese export market in June 2021 provided a significant new outlet for Bolivian nuts.

From 2022 to 2024, production remained high, peaking at 34 034 metric tons in 2022, with the domestic market size fluctuating due to export variations, reaching 11 074 metric tons in 2023. EBA's procurement program continued, and government policies actively promoted export diversification. By 2024, Bolivia solidified its role as the top global exporter, with exports reaching $146 million from January to October, bolstered by strong international demand and favorable price effects.

Production Brazil nuts in Bolivia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Bolivia was the world's second-largest producer of Brazil nuts.

Top producers of Brazil nuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of Brazil nuts, 2017-2020

Brazil nuts production in Bolivia fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 30 843 tonnes, a decrease of 1.0% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 22.2%, which translates to an average annual increase of 6.9%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 34 196 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year rise of 35.5% also occurring that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the biggest drop, with production declining by 8.9%.

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

Exports Brazil nuts from Bolivia

Exports in kind, t

The export market for Brazil nuts from Bolivia experienced volatility during the observed period. In 2017, exports hit their lowest point, while 2018 marked the peak, with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Bolivia exported 24 430 tonnes, up 4.7% from the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 25 628 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 81.6%. The biggest decline occurred in 2019, with exports falling by 8.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany were the top destinations for Bolivia's Brazil nut exports by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 23.7% of exports, the United Kingdom for 17.8%, and Germany for 15.5%, together making up 57.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Bolivia's Brazil nut export revenue declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 126.5 million US dollars, down 18.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 26.2%, averaging an annual decline of 9.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 221.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 29.0%. The biggest drop occurred in 2019, with a 29.5% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany were the leading buyers of Bolivia's Brazil nuts by value. The Netherlands represented 21.3% of export value, the United Kingdom 17.4%, and Germany 16.3%, collectively accounting for 55.0% of total exports in monetary terms.

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

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

Imports Brazil nuts to Bolivia

Imports in kind, t

Bolivia's import market for Brazil nuts showed signs of volatility over the period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with a 3.1-fold gap between these years. In 2020, imports stood at 265 tonnes, a decrease of 41.8% from the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 813 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 89.1%. The biggest decline occurred in 2019, with imports falling by 43.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil was the primary source for Bolivia's Brazil nut imports, consistently accounting for 100.0% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Bolivia's import spending on Brazil nuts followed an unstable trend during the timeframe. The lowest value was recorded in 2020, while 2018 saw the peak, with a 3.1-fold swing between these years. In 2020, imports amounted to 0.1 million US dollars, down 48.7% from 2019. The maximum value was in 2018 at 0.3 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 126.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil was the key and nearly exclusive market for Bolivia's Brazil nut imports by value, representing 99.7% of total import flows.

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

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