Plums and sloes market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh plums and sloes in MERCOSUR remained relatively stable from 2018 to 2019 before a notable contraction to 189.8 thousand tons in 2020. It then recovered, reaching 215 thousand tons in 2022 and stabilizing at 210.8 thousand tons in 2023. In value terms, the market showed more volatility, ending at $358.7 million in 2023 after an 18% increase from the previous year, indicating rising prices or a shift in product mix.

By 2023, global trade dynamics began influencing the regional market. Chile, the world's leading fresh plum exporter, increased its shipments to China by 40% during the 2022-2023 season, reflecting strong Asian demand that indirectly highlights export opportunities for MERCOSUR producers. Concurrently, the political conclusion of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement in December 2024, which will eliminate tariffs on fruits including plums, set the stage for improved future market access to Europe.

In 2024, imports into MERCOSUR reached 36 thousand tons while exports were 0.7 thousand tons. The bloc's integration deepened with Bolivia becoming a full member in July 2024, and Argentine producers certified substantial export volumes, signaling active regional production capacity ahead of the new trade framework.

Production plums and sloes in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

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

Plum and sloe production in MERCOSUR declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 176.1 thousand tons, a slight decrease of 2.1% from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 180.3 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase of 5.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of plum and sloe production in MERCOSUR reached 254.9 million US dollars, marking an increase of 10.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 8.3%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 230.4 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 5.2%.

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

Exports plums and sloes from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Exports varied significantly, with a 2.8-fold difference between the high in 2018 and the low in 2020. In 2020, cross-border shipments of plums and sloes from MERCOSUR amounted to 482 tons, representing a sharp reduction of 53.0% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 334 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 80.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands was the main partner for exports in kind, accounting for 10.0% of total flows.

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

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Export values reached their peak in 2018 and fell to their lowest point in 2020, a 2.6-fold shift. In 2020, cross-border shipments of plums and sloes from MERCOSUR totaled 697 thousand US dollars, showing a decline of 46.9% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 797 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 76.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two markets—the Netherlands and the United States—were the primary destinations for exports in value terms of plums and sloes from MERCOSUR, together accounting for 14.2% 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 plums and sloes to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, MERCOSUR's volume of plum and sloe imports reached 14 185 tons, indicating a steep decrease of 56.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 51.9%, equating to an average annual decline of 21.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 32 642 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 11.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile and Spain were the key sources for imports in kind, jointly accounting for 90.3% of total flows, while other partners were much less significant individually.

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

Plum and sloe imports into MERCOSUR declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 18 113 thousand US dollars, down by 50.8% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 53.8%, with an average annual decline of 22.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 43 520 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 11.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile and Spain consistently accounted for 91.9% of total imports in value terms, indicating a high degree of concentration alongside a long tail of 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