Exports of Chilean fruit rise 11% in 2018

Chile’s fruit exports rose 11% to 2.9 million tons in 2018, worth a record US$5.5 billion FOB. The excellent weather conditions in spring 2017 allowed orchards to reach their full potential. There were rises in volumes shipped of many fruit products, especially of cherries, where exports rocketed by 126% to 185,000 tons, making it the third-most exported fruit in volume terms. Other high-performing fruits were mandarins, plums, nectarines, peaches, apples and grapes. In volume terms, apples represented the largest exported category, rising 8% to 776,000 tons, followed by grapes, which were up 3% to 724,000 tons. Plum exports rose by 29% to 120,000 tons. Nectarine exports climbed by 11% to 65,000 tons, thanks in part to gaining access to the Chinese market in 2016. Peach exports increased by 30% to 31,000 tons. Mandarins and clementines soared by 46% to 170,000 tons. However, avocado exports fell by 25% to 132,000 tons, partly due to greater domestic demand, while weather conditions were not optimal.

Cherry volumes in 2019 are expected to be lower due to the unstable weather conditions and severe hail.