MERCOSUR: Plain Postcard Market 2025

Plain Postcard Market Size in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the MERCOSUR plain postcard market decreased by -0.2% to $X, falling for the third consecutive year after two years of growth. The total consumption indicated a tangible expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.5% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -14.2% against 2018 indices. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Plain Postcard Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, plain postcard production shrank to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated notable growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.3% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +1.2% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 42%. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Plain Postcard Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

Plain postcard exports soared to X tons in 2021, with an increase of 124% on the year before. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a deep reduction. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, plain postcard exports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a noticeable curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 68%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Brazil (X tons) was the largest exporter of letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards, achieving 55% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Peru (X tons) and Colombia (X tons), together constituting a 39% share of total exports. Argentina (X kg) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Brazil was also the fastest-growing in terms of the letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards exports, with a CAGR of +31.9% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Peru (+28.0%) displayed positive paces of growth. By contrast, Argentina (-8.1%) and Colombia (-25.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Brazil and Peru increased by +53 and +26 percentage points, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Brazil ($X) remains the largest plain postcard supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 59% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Argentina ($X), with a 16% share of total exports. It was followed by Peru, with a 12% share.

In Brazil, plain postcard exports increased at an average annual rate of +27.1% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Argentina (+4.2% per year) and Peru (+7.2% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, declining by -46.6% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, posted moderate growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 133%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Argentina ($X per ton), while Peru ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Argentina (+13.5%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Plain Postcard Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

Plain postcard imports declined notably to X tons in 2021, falling by -19.2% on 2020 figures. Overall, imports showed a abrupt curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 81%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, plain postcard imports soared to $X in 2021. In general, imports showed a abrupt shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 59%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Argentina (X tons) and Chile (X tons) represented roughly 43% of total imports in 2021. Peru (X tons) took a 14% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Suriname (14%), Ecuador (7.6%) and Paraguay (7.5%). Colombia (X kg) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by Suriname (with a CAGR of +8.7%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Chile ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards in MERCOSUR, comprising 42% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Argentina ($X), with a 16% share of total imports. It was followed by Suriname, with an 11% share.

In Chile, plain postcard imports shrank by an average annual rate of -10.3% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Argentina (+13.8% per year) and Suriname (+22.9% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 45% against the previous year. Import price indicated a measured increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, plain postcard import price increased by +102.9% against 2019 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 an increase of 64% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 to 2021, the import prices failed to regain momentum.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Suriname (+13.1%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform