Mate market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

Mate production in MERCOSUR experienced gradual growth from 1 435 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 1 481 thousand tonnes in 2021. This expansion took place despite an adverse international context and internal recessions, notably in Argentina in 2018, which dampened overall economic activity. Political pressure from Brazil and Argentina to negotiate free trade agreements with the European Union and other Latin American countries in 2019 bolstered export prospects and supported steady production increases.

A sharp rise occurred in 2022, with production jumping to 1 659 thousand tonnes. This acceleration was primarily driven by corrections to the MERCOSUR Common Nomenclature and Common External Tariff, which enhanced regulatory harmonization and facilitated intra-bloc trade. In 2023, production reached 1 670 thousand tonnes, while market volume stabilized around 1 608 thousand tonnes as increased exports coincided with Russia's withdrawal from MERCOSUR in July, introducing adjustments to the bloc's trade dynamics.

Production mate in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of mate, 2017-2020

World map of production of mate, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, mate production in MERCOSUR declined. In 2020, production reached 1 474 K t, marking a slight decrease of 0.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 4.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.4%. The peak production was recorded in 2019 at 1 485 K t, with the largest annual increase of 3.5% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of mate output in MERCOSUR was 5 541 M $ US, showing a small increase of 2.7% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 21%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 5 756 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 25.7%. In contrast, the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 6.3%.

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

Exports mate from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, t

MERCOSUR's mate export volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 53 208 t, reflecting a substantial advance of 15.0% over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 5.4%, with a CAGR of 1.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 45 022 t, which also experienced the largest decline of 10.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, there was no single dominant market for mate exports in kind from MERCOSUR. Syria accounted for 35.6% of exports, Chile for 6.9%, and the United States for 1.7%, together making up 44.2% of total exports. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares, contributing to a diversified export structure.

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, M $ US

In 2020, cross-border shipments of mate from MERCOSUR totaled 200.0 M $ US, indicating a robust increase of 19.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms rose by 22.5%, with a CAGR of 7.0%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a decrease of 6.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, mate exports in value terms from MERCOSUR relied on a wide range of partner countries. Syria represented 35.4% of exports, Chile 6.9%, and the United States 2.9%, together accounting for just 45.2% of total flows. This highlights a diversified export market with numerous smaller partners.

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

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

Imports mate to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, t

The import market for mate in MERCOSUR showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with a 14-fold difference between the high in 2018 and the low in 2019. In 2020, imported volumes reached 8 887 t, reflecting a steep gain of 748.5% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 047 t, while the maximum was in 2018 at 14 700 t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 92.9%.

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

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, M $ US

In 2020, MERCOSUR imported mate valued at 200.0 M $ US, equivalent to an advance of 36.9% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 44.7%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 13.1%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a decrease of 2.5%.

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

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

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