Record exports of cherries in Argentina, but with new challenges

Argentina will close the cherry export season with more than 7,600 tons shipped to the international market, according to local media. The 2024/2025 season set a new record and brought good prices both abroad and in the local market. Despite the entry of Chilean cherries into Argentinean grocery stores, demand remained stable.

Some regions took advantage of the opportunity to export early, achieving favorable prices before the massive arrival of maritime shipments to China. However, Chubut's production was affected by the weather, which impacted its results.

The growth in exports is due to improvements in productivity, the use of new technologies and better cold storage systems. These innovations allowed Argentine cherries to reach more distant markets with optimum quality.

Early production in some areas helped position the fruit at a time of high demand and low supply, raising prices. In contrast, Chilean cherries flooded the Chinese market, generating oversupply and a drop in prices during January and February. This effect also affected markets such as the United States, Europe and the Middle East.

Chile continues to be a challenge for the Argentine industry, as its exportable production could grow even more in the next season. This would put pressure on prices and force Argentine producers to rethink marketing strategies.

Another worrying factor is the increase in production costs in Argentina. Labor costs have risen 80%, energy 140% and taxes 110%, reducing competitiveness with Chile, where costs are lower.

In addition, imports of Chilean cherries to the Argentine market exceeded 1,000 tons this season, representing 20% of domestic consumption. If this trend continues, it could become a threat to local producers.

source: bichosdecampo.com

photo: billiken.lat