Export volume of Chilean table grapes, apples, and pears will decrease

Chile

Thursday 27 May 2021

Exports of Chilean apples are estimated at 647,000 tons, -2% compared to the previous year. Data for January and February 2021 show that Chilean apple exports decreased by 25% in volume and 20.6% in value compared to the same period in 2020. The main export markets for Chilean apples are the USA, Colombia and Ecuador

According to a recent GAIN (Global Agricultural Information Network) report published by the USDA, Chilean production and exports of table grapes, apples and pears will decline in the 2020/21 marketing year. Mainly due to rainfall which has reduced yields.

Table grapes

The area destined to table grapes production in Chile for the 2020/21 marketing year is 45,489 hectares, a decrease of 4.9% compared to the 2019/20 marketing year. The heavy rainfall (from 25mm to 70mm depending on the region) damaged crops that were ready to be harvested. Production for this 2020/21 marketing year is expected to be at 615,000 tons, -21% compared to the previous year.

Table grape exports for the 2020/21 marketing year are estimated at 475,000 tons, -22% compared to the previous year. According to February data, exports were down 21% to 118,089 tons and USD 190 million. The United States remains the main market for Chilean grape exports, accounting for 46% of total volume. China, the Netherlands, the UK and South Korea follow.

Apples

The area destined to apples in Chile for the 2020/21 season reached 32,314 hectares, an area almost similar to the previous year. Moderate summer temperatures followed by heavy rains and pandemic restrictions reduced production potential. Compared to the previous year, production is expected to reach 1,095,000 tons, or -4.8%.

Pears

The area destined to pears cultivation in Chile for the 2020/21 season is 6,950 hectares, compared to 7,272 hectares in the previous year. The decrease in planted areas, less favourable temperatures and lower availability of labor explain the expected production of 200,000 tons, or -9.1%.

Exports of Chilean pears are estimated at 106,000 tons, or -8.6% compared to the previous year. Data for January and February 2021 show that Chilean pear exports decreased by 21.1% in volume and 19.2% in value compared to the same period in 2020. The main export markets for Chilean pears are Colombia, Italy, the Netherlands and Russia.

source: gain.fas.usda.gov