In the first half of 2025, Chilean food exports amounted to a record $12.46 billion, 9.5% more than in the same period last year. This growth was possible thanks to the country's fresh fruit exports, led by cherries, grapes, and kiwis.
According to data from ProChile's Market Intelligence Department, based on figures from the National Customs Service, despite a challenging international context in terms of logistics, weather, and geopolitics, fruit shipments increased significantly in volume and value.
Fresh cherries stood out as the main engine of the fruit sector, with exports of $2,243,000, i.e., 14.4% more than in the same period of 2024. This result consolidates this fruit as the country's second most exported food product and reinforces its strategic role during the summer season.
China and the United States remained the main destinations, although there was also an increasing diversification towards emerging Asian and European markets, driven by promotional campaigns and a stable quality offer.
Table grape exports totalled $325 million, 10.9% more than in the previous year, thanks to an improvement in the export campaign, especially in seedless white and red varieties.
Kiwi exports amounted to $155 million (+11.6%). This increase is attributed to improvements in the size and firmness of the product, as well as an increase in value in destinations such as South Korea, India, and Eastern European countries.
The nuts and dried fruit segment also posted record figures. Walnut exports reached $145 million (+53.6%), while hazelnuts doubled their performance, reaching $144 million. The latter result was especially driven by demand in European markets such as Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.
The United States and China continue to be Chile's agricultural sector's main trading partners, with purchases of $2.89 billion and $2.79 billion, respectively, accounting for nearly 46% of total exports.
It's also worth noting that Chilean exports to emerging markets showed significant increases:
- Japan: +4.5% ($844 million)
- South Korea: +14.8% ($325 million)
- India: +19.7% ($73 million)
- ASEAN: +32.2% ($289 million)
- Europe: +22.7% ($2.04 billion)
- Africa: +32.7% ($283 million)
Future challenges focus on continuing to diversify destinations, strengthening port logistics, adapting to climate change, and consolidating Chile as a global benchmark in the supply of high-quality fruit.
Source: frutasdechile.cl
