Plums and sloes market in Chile

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, Chile's plum production grew from 359 thousand tons to 423.7 thousand tons, supported by a gradual expansion of orchard area dedicated to fresh plums, particularly in the O'Higgins region. The industry simultaneously pursued a strategy of diversifying between fresh and dried plum production to balance market risks. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 temporarily affected export flows and consumption due to sanitary restrictions, but overall output remained strong.

A major shift occurred from 2021 to 2023, driven by international market access. The U.S. market reopened for Chilean fresh plums in January 2022 under a Systems Approach, which removed the need for methyl bromide fumigation and improved fruit quality for exporters. Coupled with rising demand from China, where direct agreements with supermarket chains were signed, exports jumped from 121.2 thousand tons to 242.6 thousand tons. This surge in overseas shipments redirected supply, causing the domestic market volume to contract from 314.1 thousand tons to 217.4 thousand tons over the same period.

Trade facilitation continued to define the sector's direction. Chile streamlined protocols for exporting fresh fruit to China and advanced negotiations to open the South Korean market for fresh plums, reinforcing its export-oriented growth and global leadership in the plum trade.

Production plums and sloes in Chile

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Chile ranked fourth globally in the production of plums and sloes.

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2018-2021

World map of production of plums and sloes, 2018-2021

In 2021, Chile produced 435.2 thousand tonnes of plums and sloes, marking a slight increase of 2.7% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 21.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 6.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 445.0 thousand tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 24.0% that year. In contrast, 2020 saw the most significant decline, with production dropping by 4.8%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Plum and sloe production in Chile has increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 738.0 million US dollars, showing a substantial rise of 12.7% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production value surged by 42.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 12.6%.

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

Exports plums and sloes from Chile

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of plums and sloes from Chile declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, export volumes stood at 121.2 thousand tonnes, down by 3.6% from the previous year. The peak was reached in 2019 with 155.2 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 28.8%. The most significant drop occurred in 2020, with a decline of 19.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, the United States, and Brazil were the primary markets for Chile's plum and sloe exports in volume terms. China accounted for 44.6% of exports, the United States for 16.4%, and Brazil for 9.8%, together making up 70.8% of total export flows.

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

In 2021, the value of exported plums and sloes from Chile reached 205.5 million US dollars, representing a moderate year-on-year increase of 5.8%. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 18.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 213.4 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 22.8%. The most notable decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 9.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, China, the United States, and Brazil were the main destinations for Chile's plum and sloe exports in value terms. China held 53.5% of export value, the United States 17.4%, and Brazil 7.3%, collectively absorbing 78.2% 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 plums and sloes to Chile

Imports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes of plums and sloes to Chile reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2021, with a 9.9-fold difference between these years. In 2021, imports amounted to 0.1 thousand tonnes, a sharp increase of 818.5% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, with a drop of 83.8%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the United States and Argentina were the core sources for Chile's imports of plums and sloes in volume terms, together accounting for 100.0% of total import flows.

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 reveals irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import values varied significantly, with an 8.5-fold difference between the minimum in 2018 and the maximum in 2021. In 2021, imports were valued at 0.3 million US dollars, a strong increase of 601.1% compared to 2020. The most substantial decline occurred in 2020, with a decrease of 80.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States dominated Chile's imports of plums and sloes in value terms, consistently representing 91.5% of total import flows.

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

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