Figs market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, fig production in Latin America and the Caribbean remained stable at around 39,000 t per year. This period saw growing interest in fig cultivation in Mexico, driven by favorable climatic conditions and rising domestic and international demand, particularly from the United States and Europe. New Mexican states began commercial fig farming, expanding the production base, while increased investment in technology aimed at improving productivity and quality supported output.

Production rose to 41,314 t in 2021, spurred by the formation of associativity models and strategic alliances in Peru's fig industry to strengthen exports. Regulatory preparations for export and enhanced marketing efforts contributed to this peak. However, output fell to 36,832 t in 2022 as global fig exports declined by 19.5%, reducing incentives for regional production amid shifting trade patterns.

The market recovered in 2023, with production reaching 40,156 t. By 2024, advances in logistics, packaging, and information technology facilitated exports to lucrative markets such as the United States, Canada, and Japan. Despite a loss in the region's import share, sustained demand in key export destinations supported trade, with Mexico emerging as a significant exporter.

Production figs in Latin America and the Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of figs, 2017-2020

World map of production of figs, 2017-2020

In Latin America and the Caribbean, fig production reached 39 050 tonnes in 2020, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 4.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 38 636 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 5.8%, while the largest increase was seen in 2019, with a rise of 1.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Latin America and the Caribbean, fig production volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output of figs was valued at 180.1 million US dollars, indicating a moderate decrease of 6.1% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 13.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports figs from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, fig exports from Latin America and the Caribbean declined. In 2020, exports stood at 3 681 tonnes, marking a modest drop of 6.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 25.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.0%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 927 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 24.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for fig exports in kind were the Netherlands, the United States, and Canada, which together accounted for 66.4% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year uptick, fig deliveries from Latin America and the Caribbean declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 16 977 thousand US dollars, down by 11.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 14.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 19 199 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 28.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, with 27.6% of exports in value terms, the United States at 22.1%, and Canada at 15.7%, led the structure of fig exports in value terms, together representing 65.4% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports figs to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, foreign fig supplies to Latin America and the Caribbean increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 861 tonnes, marking a slight increase of 1.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 58.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 25.5%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 845 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 44.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, two markets—the United States and Turkey—played the leading roles in fig imports in kind, together taking 95.0% of total flows, while the rest was distributed among other destinations.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year loss, fig deliveries to Latin America and the Caribbean increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 3 859 thousand US dollars, representing a 1.3% uptick from a year earlier. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 58.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 25.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 3 811 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 46.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Turkey were the dominant suppliers of figs to Latin America and the Caribbean, together taking 96.1% of total imports in value terms, with other partners forming a less significant background.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020