Dried prunes market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

The dried prunes market in MERCOSUR showed significant volatility from 2018 to 2023. Market volume grew from 33 600 t in 2018 to 35 081 t in 2019, then dropped sharply to 14 574 t in 2020 before recovering to 24 622 t in 2021 and stabilizing around 24 881 t in 2022.

The recovery in 2021 coincided with active export activity from the region, where Argentina shipped dried prunes to Russia and Brazil remained a key exporter. However, market volume fell again to 18 352 t in 2023, primarily due to an unusual drought in Brazil that reduced local production, combined with strong foreign demand and increased transportation costs, which encouraged exports and limited domestic availability.

In 2024, MERCOSUR finalized a trade agreement with the European Union, which will progressively eliminate tariffs on agricultural goods including dried prunes. Additionally, Bolivia became a full member of the bloc, expanding regional integration.

Production dried prunes in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of dried prunes, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried prunes, 2017-2020

The market exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. Production reached its lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2018 with a 4.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, MERCOSUR produced 20 000 tons of dried prunes, representing a 48.0% decline from the previous year. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 44 531 tons, while the largest year-over-year increase occurred that same year at 338.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The market demonstrated volatility during the period under review. Production value was at its lowest in 2017, then reached its highest point in 2019, showing a 3.3-fold gap between these years. In 2020, the output of dried prunes in MERCOSUR was valued at 79.7 million US dollars, marking a 38.6% decrease compared to 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 129.8 million US dollars, and the most significant increase occurred in 2018 with a 212.9% rise.

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

Exports dried prunes from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, MERCOSUR exported 16 438 tons of dried prunes, representing a 39.2% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 40.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 19 251 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 38.7% drop, while the most substantial increase was in 2018 at 64.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for exports in kind remained fragmented. Russia accounted for 15.8% of exports, the United States for 9.5%, and Chile for 8.6%, with these three countries together representing only 34.0% of total flows. No single country achieved a dominant share during this period.

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

MERCOSUR's dried prune exports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 36 387 thousand US dollars, reflecting a modest 8.7% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 19.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 53 209 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 25.1% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2018 at 17.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner structure for exports in value terms remained fragmented. Russia held a 17.3% share of exports, the United States 9.9%, and Spain 7.8%, with these three countries collectively accounting for 35.0% of total flows. No single country dominated the export market during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports dried prunes to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, t

Dried prune imports into MERCOSUR increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, MERCOSUR imported 11 012 tons of dried prunes, showing a sharp 30.5% rise from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 11.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 8 319 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 15.8% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile remained the key partner for dried prune imports in kind to MERCOSUR, accounting for 23.4% of total import flows.

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

Following a two-year decline, MERCOSUR's dried prune imports increased. In 2020, imports were recorded at 30 675 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 47.6% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 23.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 20 776 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 12.7% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Chile stood out as the main supplier of dried prunes to MERCOSUR, accounting for 19.7% of total imports in value terms.

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

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