2014 a difficult year for Chilean fruit exports

The United States is, by far, the largest buyer of Chilean fruit.

It accounts for approximately one third of all exports. Exports to the United States, amounting to 845,000 tonnes in 2014, were actually the lowest since 2005. Grapes dominate in the export to the United States with more than 40% of the total, thus determining to a large extent the overall picture. Apples are a close second. Up until 2010, the export of apples to the United States increased rapidly, reaching 125,000 tonnes. Afterwards, the most notable growth has been that of blueberries, now the third most exported product to the United States.

Exports to the Netherlands, Chile's second largest buyer, peaked in 2013 with nearly 300,000 tonnes; last year, the volume was a little smaller, of about 280,000 tonnes. Grapes and apples are also the most exported products in this case, although grapes are not as dominant. What is most noteworthy is the growth of Chile's avocado exports to the Netherlands, from 11,000 tonnes in 2006 to 47,000 tons last year. The export of blueberries to the Netherlands has also been expanding over the years, from 1,200 tonnes in 2006 to 14,000 tonnes last year.

North America remains the most important destination, with the rest of America in second place. This entails that more than half of Chilean exports are intended for this continent. The EU is the third largest destination, but exports to the EU dropped last year to below 600,000 tonnes. In 2008, this figure was of 750,000 tonnes. For its part, Asia is emerging. Last year, 543,000 tonnes of Chilean products were exported to the continent. China is the major growth market, despite growth temporarily grinding to a halt last year. In 2013, a total of 220,000 tonnes were exported, while in 2014 the volume dropped to 195,000 tonnes.

Between 2011 and 2013, grapes were the most exported Chilean product. Last year, however, apples exports were greater. Grapes and apples together account for two thirds of all Chilean exports. The USDA expects Chilean grape exports this year to be on par with the level reached in 2013, thus remaining the most exported Chilean fruit. Chilean apple exports in 2015 are expected to be slightly greater than last year, going back to the volume reached in 2013. Far behind, pears are Chile's third most exported fruit. In 2013, a record 143,000 tonnes were sold to overseas destinations. Last year, this volume dropped to 127,000 tonnes. In 2015, the export volume is expected to lie in between those of the two preceding years.

The export of stonefruit, including peaches, nectarines, cherries and plums, dropped sharply in 2014 because of frost damage. This year there has been a recovery, but the effects of the damage are still noticeable. Frost damage was also responsible for the production and export of kiwifruit falling significantly last year. This year there will be a recovery, but the consequences of this damage will remain noticeable. Blueberries have continued growing successfully. Exports increased from 15,000 tonnes in 2006 to 125,000 tonnes in 2013. In the (calendar) year 2014, exports dropped to 103,000 tonnes, although this year they will probably grow again. In the first months of the year considerably more blueberries have been exported than in 2014.

For years, Chile has been exporting over 100,000 tonnes of avocados, but only since 2012 have substantial volumes been shipped to the Netherlands. In 2013, the Netherlands surpassed even the United States and is now the main buyer, with a volume amounting to 47,000 tonnes. 

Chilean kiwis go mainly to the United States and the Netherlands, as well as to Russia and Italy, which are also important customers, while China is emerging. It is striking how reasonably large volumes of Chilean kiwifruit go to many countries.

Last year, Chile exported almost 880,000 tonnes of apples. Behind Poland, China and the United States, Chile is the world's fourth largest apple exporter, with Royal Gala as Chile's main export variety, accounting for nearly 400,000 tonnes last year. Large volumes of Royal Gala are shipped to countries around the region. Colombia and Ecuador are the main buyers, followed by the United States and the Netherlands. Also Peru imports a lot of Royal Gala. Granny Smith is the second most important variety for export, with a volume in 2014 reaching over 100,000 tonnes. The popularity of this variety has decreased over the years, and is mostly shipped to Colombia. Richared Delicious is the fourth biggest variety, with more than 100,000 tonnes exported in 2014. The popularity of the Chilean Richared has also been dropping. India is the largest buyer of this variety, with considerable volumes going also to Brazil and Colombia. 

Meanwhile, the popularity of Fuji has been growing in recent years, with exports now amounting to more than 70,000 tonnes. Taiwan is the most important market. Other export varieties are Red Chief, Breaburn and Red Star King. All three varieties have become less popular, especially the Red Star King. 

For several years, Chile has been registering the export volumes for many organic products separately, which also applies to apples. The export of all organic apples amounts to over 20,000 tonnes. Royal gala is the main variety in this segment, with 11,000 tonnes, while for grapes the most important variety is the Red Globe and for pears it is the Packham.