Pears market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh pear market in MERCOSUR started the period at 367 000 t in 2018, then expanded sharply to 490 000 t in 2019. This initial growth was supported by the region's strong export tradition and counter-seasonal production relative to the Northern Hemisphere, which facilitated trade. Market volume continued to rise to 502 000 t in 2020, further stimulated by increasing consumer demand for organic and health-beneficial fruits.

The market reached its peak for the period at 554 000 t in 2021, with the value surging to $605.9 million. This was driven by technological advances in the sector and evolving consumer preferences, which broadened product offerings. A contraction followed in 2022, with volume falling to 484 000 t and value to $465.0 million, influenced by climatic factors like rising temperatures that affected peak sales periods and pricing.

A recovery ensued in 2023, with market volume returning to 556 000 t and value to $562.8 million, sustained by persistent consumer trends toward healthy, organic products and climate-influenced price adjustments. For 2024, the implementation of the MERCOSUR-European Union agreement, which eliminates tariffs for fresh fruits including pears, is set to improve access to the key European market, while regional market expansion continues with the accession of new associate members.

Production pears in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of pears, 2017-2020

World map of production of pears, 2017-2020

MERCOSUR's pear production has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 681.8 thousand tonnes of pears, representing a 9.6% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 23.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 7.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of pear production in MERCOSUR reached 588.7 million US dollars, up 9.5% from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 9.2%, averaging 3.0% per year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 537.6 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 609.9 million US dollars. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with an 11.9% decrease, and the largest rise was in 2018 with a 13.1% increase.

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

Exports pears from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, MERCOSUR exported 292.4 thousand tonnes of pears, a 5.0% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 10.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%. The biggest decline was in 2019 at 3.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 8.9%.

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

The structure of pear exports in volume from 2017 to 2020 shows a diverse range of trading partners. Russia accounted for 25.9% of exports, the United States for 12.3%, and Italy for 7.5%. Together, these three countries made up only 45.7% of total export volumes, with the remaining 54.3% spread across numerous smaller markets.

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, MERCOSUR exported pears worth 252.5 million US dollars, reflecting a 4.9% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, export value decreased by 2.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -0.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 240.8 million US dollars, and the highest in 2018 at 294.1 million US dollars. The most substantial decline was in 2019 at 18.1%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 13.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner portfolio for pear exports in value terms from MERCOSUR was quite broad. Russia represented 22.9% of export value, the United States 15.1%, and Italy 7.8%. Combined, these three countries accounted for only 45.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports pears to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, K t

Pear import volumes into MERCOSUR showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Imports peaked in 2017 and fell to their lowest point in 2018, with a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, MERCOSUR imported 112.9 thousand tonnes of pears, marking a substantial 22.7% decline year-over-year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 57.4 thousand tonnes. The largest decrease occurred in 2018 at 64.2%, while the biggest increase was in 2019 at 154.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, Spain, and Chile were the core suppliers for pear imports in volume to MERCOSUR. Portugal accounted for 23.5% of imports, Spain for 5.7%, and Chile for 1.9%. Together, they represented 31.1% of total import volumes.

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

MERCOSUR's pear import value has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import value amounted to 121.5 million US dollars, marking a 16.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 29.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.0%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Portugal, Spain, and Chile were among the largest suppliers of pears to MERCOSUR in value terms. Portugal accounted for 24.4% of import value, Spain for 7.3%, and Chile for 2.4%. Even combined, they represented just 34.2% of total import value, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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