Peaches and nectarines market in Chile

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the domestic market volume for fresh peaches and nectarines in Chile fluctuated between 201 and 235 thousand tons. The initial stability in 2018-2019 was supported by an expansion of planted areas and a favorable tariff reduction for exports to the European Union, which improved competitiveness. However, in 2020, market volume dropped notably, primarily due to logistical disruptions in the national supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which hindered the movement of cargo and affected distribution.

A recovery in market volume occurred in 2021, driven by increased nectarine production following favorable climatic conditions and higher precipitation after prior drought years. The subsequent decline in 2022 was linked to a strategic shift among growers towards more profitable nectarines and cherries, coupled with a surge in exports after Chile signed a market access agreement with China for fresh peaches. This agreement redirected more fruit overseas, reducing domestic availability. In 2023, a modest market volume increase coincided with a decrease in total exports, even as the formalization of the trade protocol with China solidified its position as a key export destination.

Looking ahead, the market has been shaped by continued export-oriented policies. In early 2024, shipments of fresh peaches and nectarines reached a historical record value, fueled by strong demand from China and other Asian markets following the bilateral agreement. Ongoing state-supported research through genetic improvement programs aims to develop new fruit varieties adapted to local conditions, focusing on long-term sustainability rather than immediate market volume changes.

Production peaches and nectarines in Chile

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Chile ranked 8th globally in peach and nectarine production from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of peaches and nectarines, 2018-2021

World map of production of peaches and nectarines, 2018-2021

In 2021, Chile produced 311.2 thousand tons of peaches and nectarines, showing minimal change from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production declined by 5.7%, averaging a 1.9% annual decrease. The lowest production occurred in 2020 at 310.5 thousand tons, while the highest was in 2019 at 332.3 thousand tons. The sharpest drop was in 2020 at 6.6%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 0.7%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, the value of peach and nectarine production in Chile reached 442.5 million US dollars, marking a 3.9% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production value fell by 8.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 426.0 million US dollars, and the highest in 2019 at 492.2 million US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2020 at 13.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Chile in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports peaches and nectarines from Chile

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Chile's exports of peaches and nectarines by volume declined. In 2021, exports totaled 96.5 thousand tons, down 5.0% from the previous year. The peak was in 2020 at 101.6 thousand tons, with the largest increase that year at 4.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States (34.3% of export volume), China (23.5%), and Mexico (7.2%) were the top buyers of Chilean peaches and nectarines, collectively accounting for 65.0% of total export volume.

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, M $ US

Chile's export value of peaches and nectarines fell for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 137.2 million US dollars, a 1.5% decrease from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value dropped by 2.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -0.8%. The highest value was in 2019 at 144.7 million US dollars, with the largest decline in 2020 at 3.7% and the biggest increase in 2019 at 3.1%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the United States (34.3% of export value), China (25.5%), and Mexico (7.7%) led as the primary buyers of Chilean peaches and nectarines, together making up 67.5% 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 peaches and nectarines to Chile

Imports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market. Import volumes peaked in 2018 and hit their lowest point in 2020, with a 3.2-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Chile's imports of peaches and nectarines stood at 0.2 thousand tons, surging 184.4% from 2020. The minimum was in 2020 at 0.1 thousand tons, with the largest drop that year at 66.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States accounted for 86.6% of Chile's peach and nectarine import volume, with the remainder distributed among various smaller markets.

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, M $ US

The data indicates irregular shifts, reflecting market volatility. Import value reached its highest in 2018 and its lowest in 2020, with a 3.7-fold gap. In 2021, Chile's imports of peaches and nectarines were valued at 0.9 million US dollars, a 269.1% jump from 2020. The lowest value was in 2020 at 0.2 million US dollars, and the steepest decline occurred that year at 71.8%.

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

During 2018-2021, the import value pattern highlighted a strong reliance on the United States, which absorbed 92.1% of total imports.

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

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