In-shell almonds market in Chile

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2022, Chile's in-shell almond production increased from 40 788 t to 49 039 t, supported by a steady expansion of planted area concentrated in the O'Higgins and Metropolitan regions. This growth was reinforced by the introduction of new hard-shell varieties like Constantí and Marinada, which entered field trials, alongside the mechanization of harvesting to reduce operational costs. The global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which reduced worldwide almond availability, further heightened demand for Chilean output. Export diversification to markets such as Argentina, Ecuador, and Russia also provided a steady outlet for the rising production.

The signing of a customs protocol with China in 2022 opened a major new export channel for shelled almonds, strengthening producer incentives. However, production dipped to 46 844 t in 2023, a shift that aligned with earlier noted constraints like water scarcity and soil salinity, which limited orchard expansion. Despite this, exports to China commenced under the new protocol, and the first commercial harvest of hard‑shell varieties is anticipated to reach the market by 2025–2026, offering improved shelf life and cold tolerance. Throughout the period, regulatory updates such as the Sanitary Food Regulations (RSA) and labeling law 20.060 raised safety and traceability standards, bolstering the product's reputation in international trade.

Production in-shell almonds in Chile

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Chile maintained the 12th position globally in terms of in-shell almond production volume.

Top producers of in-shell almonds, 2018-2021

World map of production of in-shell almonds, 2018-2021

Chile's in-shell almond production grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 48 805 tonnes of in-shell almonds, representing a 7.8% year-over-year increase. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 19.7%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 6.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Chile in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports in-shell almonds from Chile

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. In 2019, exports reached their peak at 177.1 tonnes, but then fell sharply to a low of 33.8 tonnes in 2020, marking an 80.9% decline and creating a 5.2-fold difference between these two years. In 2021, shipments rebounded to 43.7 tonnes, up 29.4% from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Chile in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Italy, Spain, and India were the top buyers of Chilean in-shell almonds, accounting for 67.6% of total exports in volume. Italy led with 43.2%, followed by Spain at 14.8%, and India at 9.6%.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Chile in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed considerable volatility in value terms as well. Exports peaked in 2018 but then dropped to a low of 62 000 US dollars in 2020, resulting in a 93.0% decline and a 14.9-fold variation between these years. In 2021, exports recovered to 166 000 US dollars, surging 169.7% compared to 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Chile in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During the 2018–2021 period, Italy, Spain, and India remained the key markets for Chilean in-shell almond exports in value, collectively representing 74.7% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Chile in value, 2018-2021

Imports in-shell almonds to Chile

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Chile's imports of in-shell almonds totaled 382.8 tonnes, a dramatic increase of 542.0% from the previous year. Over the 2018–2021 period, imports grew by 4 450 698.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3 443.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Chile in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the import market was highly concentrated, with the United States alone accounting for 96.0% of total imports in volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Chile in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Chile's imports of in-shell almonds in value terms reached 1 820 000 US dollars, up 549.9% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 2 752 030.4%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 2 919.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Chile in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018–2021, imports in value terms were almost entirely dominated by the United States, which held a 94.4% share.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Chile in value, 2018-2021