Plums and sloes market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the South American market for fresh plums and sloes experienced fluctuating volumes, rising from 509 thousand tons to 576 thousand tons, with a temporary dip in 2020. Market value followed a similar pattern, reaching $1.1 billion in 2021.

The market dynamics shifted notably from 2022 onward. That year, the reopening of the U.S. market to fresh Chilean plums under a 'Systems Approach' eliminated the need for methyl bromide fumigation, facilitating trade and boosting export volumes. This trend intensified in 2023, supported by Chile's dominant position in the global dried plum export market and marketing efforts to diversify into new destinations. The surge in exports, which jumped to 376 thousand tons in 2023, drew supply away from the domestic market, reducing the internal market volume to 335 thousand tons despite stable production levels.

In 2024, the export-oriented focus continued. Chile strengthened its role as the world's leading dried plum exporter by signing direct supply agreements with Chinese supermarket chains, which raised fresh plum exports by 40%. In Argentina, the new early-harvest 'Silvana INTA' plum variety was introduced, and fresh plum production was estimated at 121 thousand tons, with a significant portion destined for drying. Regulatory developments, including the sustained U.S. market access, further supported export activity.

Production plums and sloes in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

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

South America's plum and sloe production saw a decline after two consecutive years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 663.0 thousand tons, but then fell by 4.1% to 636.0 thousand tons in 2020. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 12.2%, which translates to an average annual increase of 3.9%. The most significant year-on-year growth occurred in 2019, with a 14.8% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of South America's plum and sloe production rose to 1 008 million US dollars in 2020, marking an 8.3% increase from the previous year. Looking at the broader 2017-2020 timeframe, production value grew by 4.2%, averaging 1.4% per year. The lowest point was in 2019 at 931 million US dollars, which represented a 6.5% decline from 2018.

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

Exports plums and sloes from South America

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of expansion, South America's plum and sloe exports contracted. Shipments totaled 122.9 thousand tons in 2020, down 19.6% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 50.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.7%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 152.9 thousand tons, which saw a substantial 50.1% jump from the year before.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, the United States, and the Netherlands were the leading buyers of South American plums and sloes by volume. China accounted for 40.2% of exports, the United States for 17.4%, and the Netherlands for 7.1%. Together, these three markets represented 64.7% of total export volumes.

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

South America's plum and sloe export value declined after two years of growth. In 2020, exports amounted to 194.9 million US dollars, a 9.2% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value rose by 40.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.9%. The peak was in 2019 at 214.7 million US dollars, following a notable 26.3% increase in 2018.

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

In value terms, China, the United States, and the Netherlands were the primary destinations for South American plum and sloe exports from 2017 to 2020. China held a 47.0% share, the United States 19.2%, and the Netherlands 4.9%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 71.1% of total export value.

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 plums and sloes to South America

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, South America's plum and sloe imports dropped significantly. In 2020, imports stood at 14.2 thousand tons, a sharp 62.6% fall from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 56%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 23.9%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 38.0 thousand tons, which had increased by 14.0% from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Portugal, and the United States were the main sources of plum and sloe imports into South America by volume. Spain contributed 38.8% of imports, Portugal 2.5%, and the United States 0.9%. Together, these three suppliers made up 42.2% of total import volumes.

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 plum and sloe import value fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 22.1 million US dollars, down 50.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 span, import value declined by 51.8%, with a compound annual decrease of 21.6%. The peak was in 2018 at 50.6 million US dollars, following a 10.6% increase that year.

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

In value terms, Spain, the United States, and Portugal were the largest suppliers of plums and sloes to South America from 2017 to 2020. Spain accounted for 40.3% of import value, the United States for 2.2%, and Portugal for 2.0%. Combined, these three countries represented 44.5% of total import value.

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

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