Brazil is a top fruit producer but still ranks low in global exports

In 2024, Brazil exported $1.3 billion in fruits — just 1.1 million tons, or under 1% of its total fruit output — despite being the world’s third-largest fruit producer, behind China and India.

The country ranks 23rd among fruit exporters, trailing smaller nations like Costa Rica, the Netherlands, and Guatemala, according to the Brazilian Association of Fruit Producers and Exporters (Abrafrutas). Main export products include mangoes, melons, grapes, and lemons.

Domestic demand and weak logistics continue to limit Brazil’s export share. While countries with smaller populations can export most of their production, Brazil’s large internal market absorbs a significant portion of its harvest.

The fruit sector highlights year-round production, diverse climates, and broad fruit variety as major competitive advantages. Regions like the São Francisco Valley and the Northeast produce continuously due to favorable weather and irrigation.

In late 2024, China officially opened its market to Brazilian melons and grapes. First shipments are expected in 2025 after a new shipping route reduced transit times from 46 to 28 days — making fruit exports viable.

Export value rose 4.6% in 2024, following a 26% jump in 2023. In Q1 2025, fruit exports reached 301,000 tons, up 26% year-on-year, generating $311 million.

One long-delayed project, the Canal do Sertão Pernambucano, could unlock up to 80,000 hectares of irrigated land in the Northeast. The sector sees this as key to increasing fruit output and exports.

Cold-chain logistics and the lack of cooperatives among small producers — who control about 70% of land in the Northeast — remain structural barriers. Many still sell to middlemen instead of accessing export markets directly.

The sector is urging government support for irrigation, better logistics, and trade agreements to fully tap Brazil’s export potential in global fruit markets.

source: abrafrutas.org

photo: placestovisitbrazil.com