Brazil’s lychee exports hit record high ahead of holiday season

Brazil’s lychee harvest takes place mainly from December to January, setting it apart from most other producing countries that harvest between May and July. This seasonal difference gives Brazil a strong export advantage, as the country can supply fresh lychees during Christmas and Chinese New Year, two of the most lucrative sales periods worldwide.

Over the past eight harvests, Brazil’s lychee exports have grown dramatically — rising from just 2.8 tonnes in 2017/2018 to a record 153.1 tonnes in 2024/2025, according to Comex Stat.

This increase has been driven largely by expanding production and export activity in the Alto Paranapanema Lychee CPL region in southwest São Paulo, which has become a key hub for high-quality lychee cultivation.

For the upcoming 2025/2026 season, beginning in December, regional producers anticipate another strong performance, with Brazil expected to surpass 200 tonnes in exports, marking a potential 30% increase over the previous harvest.

source: abrafrutas.org

photo: assessa.com.br