In the first half of 2024, Chilean plums experienced significant global demand, with exports reaching 34,026 tons valued at $104 million. This robust performance matches the export value recorded during the same period in 2023, as reported by Aduanas de Chile and puertoc.cl. The wide reach of these exports underscores Chile’s position as a dominant player in the global plum market.
Key Export Destinations and Market Dynamics
- China: China has emerged as the largest market for Chilean plums, importing 10,463 tons worth $23 million in the first half of 2024. This marks a notable increase from the previous year, where exports to China stood at 5,816 tons valued at $19 million. The significant growth highlights China’s expanding appetite for this fruit and Chile’s ability to meet that demand.
- Other Major Importers: Following China, Poland and Mexico imported 3,200 tons and 2,240 tons of Chilean plums, respectively. The United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Australia also feature prominently among the top ten destinations. Germany, in particular, has become the fifth-largest importer, reflecting a steady demand within Europe.
- Turkey’s Emergence: Turkey has replaced Russia in the top ten list of importers, indicating shifting market dynamics and Chile’s expanding reach into new regions.
Chile’s Leading Position in the Global Market
Chile stands as the world’s largest exporter of plums, with total exports reaching $268.4 million in 2023. This represents a 4.7% increase from 2022, amounting to 72,000 tons of exported plums. The consistent growth and the country’s ability to maintain high export volumes despite global economic fluctuations underline Chile’s pivotal role in the international plum market.
Conclusion
The first half of 2024 has been a testament to the strong global demand for Chilean plums. With China at the forefront, importing a substantial volume, and other significant markets like Germany, Poland, and Mexico following suit, Chile’s plum exports continue to thrive. The strategic expansion into new markets and maintaining high-quality production standards ensure that Chile remains a key player in the global agricultural export sector.
