MERCOSUR: Apricot Market 2025

Apricot Market Size in MERCOSUR

In 2022, the MERCOSUR apricot market decreased by -0.3% to $X, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. Overall, consumption showed a perceptible contraction. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

Apricot Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, apricot production expanded modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, recorded a slight curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the production volume increased by 94%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2014 to 2022, production growth remained at a lower figure.

The country with the largest volume of apricot production was Argentina (X tons), accounting for 83% of total volume. Moreover, apricot production in Argentina exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Chile (X tons), sixfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume in Argentina was relatively modest.

In 2022, the average yield of apricots in MERCOSUR dropped to X tons per ha, approximately equating the year before. Over the period under review, the yield, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the yield increased by 2.5% against the previous year. The level of yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2021, and then shrank modestly in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The apricot harvested area reached X ha in 2022, remaining relatively unchanged against 2021. Overall, the harvested area, however, showed a perceptible descent. The level of harvested area peaked at X ha in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Apricot Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2022, overseas shipments of apricots increased by 60% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year declining trend. In general, exports, however, showed a perceptible setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when exports increased by 64%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, apricot exports surged to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a noticeable shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by 49% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2022, Chile (X tons) represented the key exporter of apricots in MERCOSUR, making up 99% of total export.

Chile experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of exports of apricots. While the share of Chile (+32 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Chile ($X) also remains the largest apricot supplier in MERCOSUR.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Chile amounted to -2.8%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, shrinking by -6.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 an increase of 29% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for Chile.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Chile amounted to -2.2% per year.

Apricot Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2022, purchases abroad of apricots decreased by -30.3% to X tons, falling for the fifth consecutive year after two years of growth. Overall, imports recorded a abrupt descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by 111%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, apricot imports fell to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports showed a abrupt downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by 70% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Brazil represented the major importer of apricots in MERCOSUR, with the volume of imports resulting at X tons, which was approx. 50% of total imports in 2022. Argentina (X tons) took a 20% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Uruguay (15%) and Peru (9%). Colombia (X tons) took a little share of total imports.

Imports into Brazil decreased at an average annual rate of -19.7% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Uruguay (+6.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Uruguay emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +6.9% from 2012-2022. By contrast, Argentina (-5.8%), Colombia (-10.4%) and Peru (-12.6%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Argentina (+13 p.p.), Uruguay (+13 p.p.), Peru (+3 p.p.) and Colombia (+1.8 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2022, the share of Brazil (-28.2 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported apricots in MERCOSUR, comprising 67% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Uruguay ($X), with a 15% share of total imports. It was followed by Argentina, with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Brazil amounted to -15.7%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Uruguay (+15.6% per year) and Argentina (-6.7% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2022, rising by 30% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.6%. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while Peru ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Uruguay (+8.1%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform