Peaches and nectarines market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the MERCOSUR fresh peaches and nectarines market experienced significant shifts in volume. The market size contracted from 468 thousand tons in 2018 to a low of 327 thousand tons in 2020, before recovering to 389 thousand tons in 2021. Production followed a similar pattern, falling sharply through 2020 and then partially rebounding.

In 2023, adverse weather conditions in southern Brazil's key growing regions reduced peach and nectarine yields, tightening supply and contributing to higher consumer prices. This environmental pressure led to a slight stabilization in output at 368 thousand tons, with the overall market volume settling near 380 thousand tons.

For 2024, available trade data shows imports rose to 14.4 thousand tons while exports jumped to 3.3 thousand tons. During the year, Brazil introduced the BRS Carina nectarine, a new, sweeter variety developed to bolster domestic production and reduce import dependency. The formal conclusion of the EU-MERCOSUR trade agreement also set the stage for potential changes in market access for stone fruits.

Production peaches and nectarines in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of peaches and nectarines, 2017-2020

World map of production of peaches and nectarines, 2017-2020

MERCOSUR's production of peaches and nectarines has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 315.4 K t, which represents a 20.1% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 35.5%, translating to an average annual decline of 13.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

MERCOSUR's production value for peaches and nectarines has dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 464.5 M $ US, down by 2.4% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 23%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -8.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 637.5 M $ US. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, falling by 25.4%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 5.7%.

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

Exports peaches and nectarines from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend over the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a fivefold difference between these years. In 2020, MERCOSUR exported 2 027 t of peaches and nectarines, marking a sharp decline of 33.9% from the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 320 t, with the largest increase that year at 400.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bolivia was the largest buyer of peaches and nectarines from MERCOSUR, accounting for 3.6% of total exports in volume.

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 market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 5.7 times. In 2020, MERCOSUR's exports of peaches and nectarines totaled 2 985 K $ US, reflecting a significant drop of 19.1% from 2019. The maximum value was in 2018 at 4 695 K $ US. The largest decline was in 2019, falling by 21.4%, and the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 473.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bolivia and Canada were the key destinations for MERCOSUR's exports in value terms, together making up 3.7% of total 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 peaches and nectarines to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, MERCOSUR imported 13 783 t of peaches and nectarines, showing a steep drop of 38.2% year-on-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 35.1%, with a CAGR of -13.4%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 22 293 t, which also saw the largest increase of 6.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and Chile were the dominant suppliers of peaches and nectarines to MERCOSUR, together accounting for 82.8% of total imports in volume, while other sources each held relatively small shares.

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

Cross-border shipments of peaches and nectarines to MERCOSUR declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, import value amounted to 19 693 K $ US, which is 29.4% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 27.6%, equating to an annualized rate of -10.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 30 040 K $ US, with the largest increase that year at 10.5%.

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

Over the period 2017–2020, Spain and Chile were the dominant sources for MERCOSUR's imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 83.3% of total flows, with the remainder distributed among smaller markets.

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

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