Chile has maintained its position as the world leader in dried plum exports. Despite a moderate decrease in volume during the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024, the sector has shown a stable trend in export value, driven by improved international prices. In the first three months of 2025, 12,897 metric tons were exported, generating revenue of US$39.5 million. This figure is only slightly lower than the monthly rate for 2024.
The slowdown in volume is attributed to factors such as global inventory adjustments, weather conditions that affected production, and a more gradual start to the season. However, the increase in international prices, observed since mid-2024, is due to lower global inventories, tighter production in other countries, and stable demand in high-value markets.
A notable strategic shift is the reduced reliance on the Chinese market, whose share of volume fell from 331% in 2024 to 22.71% in the first quarter of 2025, indicating healthy diversification. European markets such as Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and the Netherlands are gaining prominence, along with Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Brazil in Latin America. Chile has also ventured into new destinations such as Lithuania, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, and Iceland.
The outlook for the remainder of 2025 is positive, with projections of improved production in the second half of the year and stable or rising prices. Chile's value-added and differentiation strategy is key to consolidating new markets and facing increasing global competition, especially from Uzbekistan. The country continues to be a global benchmark, demonstrating a mature, resilient, and adaptable market.
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