Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Uruguay

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled pumpkins, squash and gourds in Uruguay remained relatively stable from 2018 to 2023, with annual volumes oscillating between 25 600 and 26 700 tons. The period opened with increased production and consumption of zucchini, which grew from 3 872 tons in 2014 to 5 439 tons in 2018. This rise was fueled by the vegetable's growing popularity in Uruguayan households, initially spurred by its use as a pollinator for kabutiá pumpkin cultivation and influence from regional demand patterns. The concurrent consolidation of the hardy, high-yielding kabutiá hybrid pumpkin further shaped local supply and consumer preferences, while the Mercado Modelo wholesale market played a key role in the commercial development of these horticultural products.

Following 2018, the total market volume saw modest fluctuations, reaching a high of 26 698 tons in 2022 before moderating to 26 187 tons in 2023. Domestic production held steady at approximately 26 000 tons each year, demonstrating consistent output. The overall market maintained its scale throughout the six-year span, reflecting the established position of these crops in the country's agricultural and consumption landscape.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Uruguay

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

Uruguay's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 25 866 tonnes, showing negligible year-over-year variation.

Annual dynamics of production in Uruguay in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Uruguay

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Uruguay's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds increased in 2020, totaling 355.3 tonnes—a 13.3% uptick from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 47.8%, equating to an annualized decline of 19.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 313.6 tonnes, marking the largest single-year drop of 32.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy was the dominant destination for Uruguay's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, accounting for 82.7% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

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

World map of product's exports from Uruguay in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year fall, Uruguay's export value for pumpkins, squash, and gourds rose sharply in 2020, reaching 231.8 thousand US dollars—a 58.9% increase from 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, export value decreased by 43.1%, or an annualized rate of 17.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 145.9 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 47.7%.

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

During 2017–2020, Italy was the key buyer of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from Uruguay in value terms, taking 80.3% of total exports. A diversified group of other countries accounted for the remainder.

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

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

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to Uruguay

Imports in kind, t

The import market for pumpkins, squash, and gourds in Uruguay showed an unstable trend from 2017 to 2020. Imports peaked in 2019 at 814.2 tonnes and reached their lowest point in 2017, with an 8.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports totaled approximately 241.1 tonnes, a sharp 70.4% decline from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2018, at 442.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil remained the main source for Uruguay's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, holding a 75.5% share of total flows. The rest of the volume was fragmented across numerous other destinations.

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

World map of product's imports to Uruguay in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Uruguay's import value for pumpkins, squash, and gourds experienced noticeable fluctuations from 2017 to 2020. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 358.0 thousand US dollars, while the lowest occurred in 2017, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 6.2 times. In 2020, imports amounted to 93.2 thousand US dollars, representing a 74.0% decline from the previous year. The largest increase was in 2018, at 267.5%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, Brazil was the dominant destination for Uruguay's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms, accounting for 72.9% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among a number of smaller markets.

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

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