In-shell Brazil nuts market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for in-shell Brazil nuts in MERCOSUR showed considerable variability between 2018 and 2023, moving from 24 215 t to 29 674 t. With imports negligible throughout the period, domestic market size was primarily determined by the balance between production and export volumes. Overall, the market expanded by over 20% across the six-year span, though not in a linear fashion.

Market growth was pronounced in 2019 and 2020, reaching 28 349 t, as a sharp contraction in export volumes outpaced a slight dip in production. This trend reversed in 2021 when market volume fell to 25 641 t, driven by a rebound in exports alongside lower output. A significant production surge in 2022, the highest in the period, pushed the market to near 29 761 t despite rising exports. In 2023, the market volume remained stable at 29 674 t as a decline in production was offset by a substantial reduction in exports.

The period was characterized by opposing movements in production and exports, which together dictated the availability of nuts for the domestic market. Production peaked at over 38 000 t in 2022 before receding, while export flows varied widely, from a low of under 5 000 t to nearly 10 000 t.

Production in-shell Brazil nuts in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of in-shell Brazil nuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of in-shell Brazil nuts, 2017-2020

In 2020, MERCOSUR produced 33,118 tonnes of in-shell Brazil nuts, marking a modest 0.6% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 41.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 12.3%. The highest production level was achieved in 2018, reaching 34,170 tonnes. That same year saw the largest annual increase at 46.3%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant decline, with production dropping by 3.7%.

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

Exports in-shell Brazil nuts from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, t

The export market for in-shell Brazil nuts from MERCOSUR showed considerable instability during the observed period. From 2017 to 2018, exports fluctuated dramatically, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 2.5 times. In 2020, exports totaled 4,769 tonnes, representing a 12.0% decrease from the previous year. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 9,960 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 149.7%. Conversely, 2019 witnessed the steepest decline, with exports falling by 45.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Peru, Bolivia, and the United States—dominated MERCOSUR's exports of in-shell Brazil nuts, collectively accounting for 85.9% of total export volumes.

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

The export market in value terms displayed notable volatility over the period. The highest value was registered in 2018, while the lowest occurred in 2020, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 3 times. In 2020, exports amounted to 5,338 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp year-over-year decrease of 54.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 16,098 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 112.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three major markets—Peru, Bolivia, and the United States—remained central to MERCOSUR's exports in value terms, collectively capturing 69.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports in-shell Brazil nuts to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, t

The import market for in-shell Brazil nuts into MERCOSUR exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import volumes peaked in 2018 and dropped to their lowest point in 2020, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 14.1 times. In 2020, imports totaled 0.4 tonnes, indicating a 49.5% decline compared to the previous year. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 5 tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 185.5%. In contrast, 2019 saw the most significant decline, with imports falling by 85.9%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Bolivia was the leading destination for MERCOSUR's imports of in-shell Brazil nuts in volume terms, accounting for 4.4% 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

The import market in value terms showed signs of volatility over the observed period. A 14.6-fold variation was recorded between the maximum in 2018 and the minimum in 2020. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a 44.3% decrease from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 28 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 144.9%. Conversely, 2019 experienced the steepest decline, with imports dropping by 87.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bolivia was the primary market for MERCOSUR's imports of in-shell Brazil nuts in value terms, holding a 47.5% share of total import flows.

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

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