Plums and sloes market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market volume for fresh plums and sloes in Latin America and the Caribbean grew from 609 thousand tonnes to 675.6 thousand tonnes. This upward trend reversed in 2022, with volume declining to 647.9 thousand tonnes, and then fell sharply to 356.2 thousand tonnes in 2023. Over the same period, the market's value showed volatility, reaching a peak of $1.36 billion USD in 2021 before settling at $1.24 billion USD in 2023.

A major reorientation toward exports, led by Chile, defined the market from 2022. Chilean exports gained access to diversified markets like China, Brazil, and Canada, increasing outbound shipments. This expanded export flow reduced domestic supply, contributing to the lower market volume. Simultaneously, rising international prices from mid-2024 helped push the market's monetary value higher, even as physical consumption within the region contracted.

The export-driven structure intensified in 2024. Chile achieved record fresh fruit shipments, with fresh plum export value soaring over 40% in the first half of the year. New market openings in countries like Brazil and Israel provided additional outlets. Latin America and the Caribbean solidified its role as a top global fruit exporter, with regional fruit exports totaling $41.4 billion USD, underscoring the outward focus that reshaped the plum and sloe market.

Production plums and sloes in Latin America and the Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

World map of production of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

Latin America and the Caribbean's production of plums and sloes declined after two consecutive years of growth. In 2020, the region produced 727.1 K t, marking a slight year-over-year decrease of 1.3%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 11.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 736.6 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 11.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of plums and sloes output in Latin America and the Caribbean rose to 1 153 M $ US, up 11.6% from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 033 M $ US, while the highest was in 2018 at 1 186 M $ US. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 12.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports plums and sloes from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, export volumes of plums and sloes from Latin America and the Caribbean fell. In 2020, exports totaled 123.0 K t, a 19.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 57.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.2%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 153.3 K t, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 55.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China, the United States, and the Netherlands were the primary destinations for plums and sloes exports from Latin America and the Caribbean, accounting for 64.3% of total export volumes. China led with 39.9%, followed by the United States at 17.3%, and the Netherlands at 7.1%.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of improvement, the value of plums and sloes exports from Latin America and the Caribbean declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 195.1 M $ US, reflecting a 9.3% year-over-year drop. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 40.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.9%. The peak was in 2019 at 215.0 M $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 26.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017-2020, China, the United States, and the Netherlands formed the core of export value for plums and sloes from Latin America and the Caribbean, together representing 71.0% of total flows. China accounted for 47.0%, the United States for 19.2%, and the Netherlands for 4.8%.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports plums and sloes to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of increase, import volumes of plums and sloes into Latin America and the Caribbean declined. In 2020, imports stood at 26.0 K t, down 50.4% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 40.9%, with a compound annual decline rate of 16.1%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 52.4 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 16.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, the United States, and Portugal were the main suppliers of plums and sloes to Latin America and the Caribbean, together comprising 46.6% of total import volumes. Spain led with 31.3%, followed by the United States at 13.5%, and Portugal at 1.8%.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Foreign supplies of plums and sloes to Latin America and the Caribbean declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 40.4 M $ US, a 38.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value fell by 36.2%, with a compound annual decline rate of 13.9%. The peak was in 2018 at 70.8 M $ US, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 11.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2017-2020, Spain, the United States, and Portugal together accounted for 50.5% of total import value for plums and sloes into Latin America and the Caribbean, remaining the key sources. Spain contributed 31.4%, the United States 17.7%, and Portugal 1.4%.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020