Dried prunes market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

The North American dried prunes market experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. Initial growth to 102 300 metric tons in 2019 was supported by rising consumer health consciousness and increasing demand for natural, nutritious snacks. However, severe logistical disruptions and supply chain bottlenecks in 2020 sharply reduced the market volume to 77 000 metric tons by limiting raw material availability and distribution capacity.

The market rebounded strongly to approximately 105 700 metric tons in 2023, driven by sustained health-focused demand and improved accessibility through expanding online retail channels. Underlying these shifts were longer-term industry dynamics, such as the strategic reduction of prune-bearing acreage in the United States, which tightened supplies, and competitive pressures on Chilean exports that affected import flows into the region.

Production dried prunes in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dried prunes, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried prunes, 2017-2020

In 2020, Northern America produced 71.9 K t of dried prunes, marking a 25.8% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 40.8%, which translates to an annualized decline of 16.0%. The only year of growth during this period was 2019, with a modest increase of 2.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of dried prune production in Northern America was 147.0 M $ US, showing a sharp decline of 30.9% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 40.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 15.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 12.3%.

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

Exports dried prunes from Northern America

Exports in kind, t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 67 t, then peaked in 2020 at 186 t, representing a 2.8-fold increase. In 2020, dried prune deliveries from Northern America grew by 176.3% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with an 11.8% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in kind remained highly diversified. China accounted for 28.2% of exports, the Philippines for 9.5%, and Hong Kong for 8.1%, together making up 45.7% of total flows. The remaining 54.3% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 147 K $ US, then peaked in 2020 at 379 K $ US, showing a 2.6-fold gap. In 2020, Northern America's dried prune exports increased by 157.3% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 2.9% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, exports in value terms maintained high diversification. China represented 21.0% of exports, the Philippines 6.7%, and Hong Kong 6.1%, collectively accounting for 33.8% of total flows. The remaining 66.2% was spread across a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports dried prunes to Northern America

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, dried prune imports to Northern America amounted to 5 237 t, reflecting a 2.2% decline compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 45.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -18.2%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 722 t, which saw the largest decline of 50.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 13.4% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile, Argentina, and China remained the main suppliers of dried prunes to Northern America. Chile accounted for 28.4% of imports in kind, Argentina for 2.2%, and China for 0.8%, jointly forming 31.5% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Northern America's dried prune imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 16 215 K $ US, which is 2.8% higher than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 6.9%, equating to an annualized decline of 2.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 15 564 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 10.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Chile, Argentina, and China formed the key group of partners for imports in value terms. Chile represented 19.6% of imports, Argentina 2.6%, and China 1.3%, jointly accounting for 23.5% of total flows.

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

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