Figs market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the fig market in South America declined from 29.2 thousand tons to 25.1 thousand tons. This was influenced by logistical challenges due to the fruit's perishability, which constrained export potential. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further disrupted supply chains, contributing to the drop.

The market recovered to 26.8 thousand tons in 2021, driven by growing global demand for dried figs as a healthy food product. However, in 2022, volume fell again to 22.6 thousand tons, despite efforts to enhance value addition and technological development in production.

By 2023, the market volume rose to 25.3 thousand tons, supported by sustained international demand for figs due to health trends. For 2024, logistical hurdles remain a key factor for exports, while worldwide demand continues to influence the market.

Production figs in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of figs, 2017-2020

World map of production of figs, 2017-2020

South America's fig production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 27,040 tons of figs, representing a year-over-year decrease of 9.1%. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 17.7%, with an average annual decline of 6.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

South America's fig production value has also dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 127.7 million US dollars, reflecting a significant decrease of 17.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value declined by 28.6%, equating to an average annual rate of 10.6%.

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

Exports figs from South America

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, South America's fig exports declined in 2020. Exports totaled 2,323 tons, down 4.9% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 28.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.7%. The peak was in 2019 at 2,443 tons, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 28.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany were consistently the top destinations for South America's fig exports by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 41.4% of exports, the United Kingdom for 16.4%, and Germany for 7.0%, together making up 64.8% of total export flows.

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

South America's fig export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 10.973 million US dollars, down 14.0% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 11.4%, with an average annual rate of 3.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 13.225 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 34.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and France remained the largest markets for South America's fig exports by value, collectively accounting for 63.8% of total export flows.

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 figs to South America

Imports in kind, t

South America's fig imports declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, import volume reached 357 tons, a sharp decrease of 15.8% from the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports fell by 38%, with an average annual decline of 14.7%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 598 tons, while the largest decrease occurred in 2019 at 29.2%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 3.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was almost the sole supplier of figs to South America, accounting for 98.0% of total import volume.

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

South America's fig import value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 1.363 million US dollars, a decrease of 20.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value dropped by 47.3%, with an average annual decline of 19.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the key partner for South America's fig imports by value, representing 97.6% of total import flows.

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

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