Income from Chilean fruit exports on the rise while volume declines

Chile's fruit exports from January to May 2023 reached 1,734,000 tons for $4,354 million, thus registering a decrease in volume of -6.6%, and an increase of +5.6% in value, compared to the same period of the previous year, according to data provided by the Office of Agrarian Studies and Policies (ODEPA).

83% corresponds to fresh fruit; $3,615 million for a total of 1,471,000 tons, which represents a decrease in volume of -8.6%, and an increase of +4.6% in value compared to the same period of the previous year.

Cherry is the main exported species, with some 302,308 tons (+6%), worth $1,702 million (+14%), which represents 47% of the total value of fresh fruit exports in the analyzed period. The main destination was China, totaling 90% of the income from Chilean cherry exports obtained in the said lapse.

Table grapes follow in importance, with 491,570 tons (-16%) for $796.6 million (-5.4%). The United States (46%) and China (13%) stood out as the main buyers in this period.

In third place is blueberry, with some 72,208 tons (-20%), worth $324.4 million (-8%). The main destination was the United States (49% of the total value of blueberry shipments), followed by the Netherlands (20%).

In fourth place is plum, with some 136,900 tons (-12.5%) and $225.7 million (+5%). The main destinations were China (69%) and the United States (13%).