Peaches and nectarines market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

The South American market for peaches and nectarines opened the period at 895.6 thousand tonnes in 2018, with Argentina emerging as a growing producer through expanded harvest area and technology adoption for early and organic varieties. However, production in Chile began shifting from peaches to more profitable nectarines, and by 2020, adverse global weather conditions that reduced worldwide output contributed to a sharp market contraction to 715.1 thousand tonnes.

A recovery to 820.7 thousand tonnes occurred in 2021, supported by the continued expansion of nectarine cultivation in Chile and improving conditions in Argentina. Market volume then stabilized around 818–799 thousand tonnes through 2023, influenced by favorable weather in Chile, recovery in regional trade, and broader pressures from global inflation and the Ukraine conflict on prices and demand. Consumer preferences increasingly favored fresh and organic produce, bolstered by innovations in agriculture and online sales channels.

By 2024, the regional market was characterized by growing consumption, facilitated by trade agreements that reduced tariffs and improved international market access. The structural shift toward nectarines persisted, with Chile increasing nectarine planting for export while Argentina focused on technological upgrades to target niche markets with added value.

Production peaches and nectarines in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of peaches and nectarines, 2017-2020

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

South America's production of peaches and nectarines has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 792 thousand tons, marking a significant 11.7% drop from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 21.6%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 7.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

South America's production of peaches and nectarines has decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 221 million US dollars, showing an 18.7% decline compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production dropped by 22.1%, with an average annual rate of 8.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 627 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 3.8% that year.

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

Exports peaches and nectarines from South America

Exports in kind, t

South America's export volume of peaches and nectarines has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 93 290 tons, reflecting a modest 4.6% rise from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 29.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, China, and Mexico were the main destinations for South America's peach and nectarine exports in volume terms. The United States accounted for 35.1% of exports, China for 17.4%, and Mexico for 6.4%, together absorbing 59.0% of total exports.

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

World map of product's exports from South America in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, South America's export value of peaches and nectarines declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 143.8 million US dollars, down 3.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 28.7%, with an average annual rate of 8.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 149.4 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 30.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, China, and Mexico were the primary markets for South America's peach and nectarine exports in value terms. The United States represented 36.0% of exports, China 19.3%, and Mexico 7.1%, together accounting for 62.5% of total exports.

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

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

Imports peaches and nectarines to South America

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, South America's import volume of peaches and nectarines declined. In 2020, imports totaled 16 369 tons, a sharp 42.1% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 35.3%, with an average annual decline of 13.5%. The peak was in 2019 at 28 285 tons, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 8.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Spain and the United States were the main sources for South America's peach and nectarine imports in volume terms, together making up 36.8% of total imports.

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

World map of product's imports to South America in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

South America's import value of peaches and nectarines has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 27.4 million US dollars, indicating a steep 28.3% drop from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 26.4%, with an average annual rate of 9.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 40.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 8.6% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and the United States were the key sources for South America's peach and nectarine imports in value terms, with a combined share of 41.5% of total imports.

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

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