Dried apricots market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the South American dried apricots market showed considerable volatility, with its volume reaching a high of 5,965 t in 2020 before contracting sharply to 3,920 t in 2022. Domestic production saw modest growth from 832 t to 849 t, but the market remained heavily import-dependent. The expansion in 2020 coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which transformed the industry by disrupting sales channels and boosting demand for healthy, shelf-stable snacks like dried apricots.

Following the steep declines in 2021 and 2022, the market partially recovered to 4,236 t in 2023. This rebound was supported by evolving consumer priorities and industry adaptations. Increased emphasis on supply chain traceability, food safety, sustainability, and innovations in processing and packaging helped align dried apricots with modern demand for transparent and nutritious food options. Concurrently, a broader consumer shift toward organic, natural, and value-added healthy snacks provided underlying support for long-term demand.

Entering 2024, the market continued to be influenced by persistent trends. Growing demand for convenient and healthy snacks, alongside investments in sustainable agricultural technologies to address climate change, reinforced the movement toward premium, organic, and clearly labeled products that meet contemporary expectations for health and sustainability in Latin America.

Production dried apricots in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of dried apricots, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried apricots, 2017-2020

South America's dried apricot production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 839.8 t of dried apricots, showing little change from the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 832.1 t, which represented a 2.0% decline from 2017.

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

Exports dried apricots from South America

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 5 t, down 95.3% from the previous year. In contrast, exports peaked in 2019 at 112 t, creating a 21-fold difference between these two years. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with exports surging by 192.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the leading destination for South America's dried apricot exports in volume terms, accounting for 35.8% of total shipments. Panama followed with 3.5%, and the United States with 2.7%. Together, these three markets represented 42.0% of all exports.

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, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports in value terms hit their lowest point in 2020 at 28 000 US dollars, marking a 90.8% decrease from the previous year. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 300 000 US dollars, resulting in a 10.9-fold fluctuation between these years. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with exports rising by 207.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Panama, and the United States were the three principal markets for South America's dried apricot exports in value terms, collectively accounting for 27.4% of total export revenue.

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 dried apricots to South America

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, South America's dried apricot imports reached 5 130 t, reflecting a moderate 5.0% year-over-year increase. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 7.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.5%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with imports falling by 1.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey dominated South America's dried apricot imports in volume terms, capturing 98.7% of total shipments.

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, K $ US

In 2020, South America's dried apricot import value totaled 16 172 000 US dollars, showing a robust 11.8% gain compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 19.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with imports dropping by 8.5%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with imports rising by 16.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the primary source for South America's dried apricot imports in value terms, accounting for 98.7% of total import spending.

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

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