MERCOSUR: Chestnut Market 2025

Chestnut Market Size in MERCOSUR

The MERCOSUR chestnut market dropped to $X in 2021, with a decrease of -6.9% against the previous year. Overall, consumption continues to indicate a abrupt slump. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Chestnut Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, chestnut production shrank slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, enjoyed mild growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 35% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2020, and then fell in the following year.

Chile (X tons) remains the largest chestnut producing country in MERCOSUR, accounting for 83% of total volume. Moreover, chestnut production in Chile exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Peru (X tons), fivefold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in Chile amounted to +14.6%.

The average chestnut yield fell to X tons per ha in 2021, waning by -6.2% on the previous year's figure. In general, the yield, however, enjoyed noticeable growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 60%. Over the period under review, the chestnut yield attained the maximum level at X tons per ha in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the yield stood at a somewhat lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, the chestnut harvested area in MERCOSUR amounted to X ha, remaining relatively unchanged against 2020 figures. Overall, the harvested area saw a buoyant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the harvested area increased by 135%. As a result, the harvested area attained the peak level of X ha; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

Chestnut Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

After three years of growth, shipments abroad of chestnuts decreased by -2.6% to X tons in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed buoyant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 97%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2020, and then dropped modestly in the following year.

In value terms, chestnut exports soared to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, posted strong growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when exports increased by 110%. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Chile (X tons) was the largest exporter of chestnuts in MERCOSUR, comprising 99.9% of total export.

Chile was also the fastest-growing in terms of the chestnuts exports, with a CAGR of +14.5% from 2012 to 2021. Chile (+1.9 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

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

In Chile, chestnut exports increased at an average annual rate of +19.1% over the period from 2012-2021.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 24% against the previous year. Export price indicated a measured increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.9% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 an increase of 53%. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the maximum in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Chile amounted to +4.0% per year.

Chestnut Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, approx. X tons of chestnuts were imported in MERCOSUR; waning by -13% compared with 2020 figures. Over the period under review, imports faced a drastic downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 48% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, chestnut imports dropped slightly to $X in 2021. Overall, imports showed a deep setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 77% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Brazil dominates imports structure, finishing at X tons, which was approx. 94% of total imports in 2021. The following importers - Venezuela (X tons) and Colombia (X tons) - each resulted at a 5.8% share of total imports.

Imports into Brazil decreased at an average annual rate of -12.1% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Venezuela (+40.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Venezuela emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +40.6% from 2012-2021. Colombia experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Venezuela and Colombia increased by +3 and +2.8 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported chestnuts in MERCOSUR, comprising 97% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Colombia ($X), with a 1.8% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Brazil stood at -10.1%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Colombia (0.0% per year) and Venezuela (+49.5% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, surging by 13% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.0%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 an increase of 37%. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while Venezuela ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Venezuela (+6.4%).

Source: IndexBox Platform