According to the latest Ismea report, fresh fruit exports (citrus fruit and nuts excluded) in 2018 reached €2.5 billion, though they dropped compared to last year due to the lower supplies of a few important products such as apples and kiwifruits.
In 2018, revenues for fruit imports were €2.534 billion, i.e. €307 million less than in 2017 (-11%). Imports grew to €1.403 billion (€41 million and 3% more than in 2017). As a consequence, the balance dropped to €1.131 billion, i.e. €350 million less than in 2017 (-24%).
(Image source: ismeamercati.it)
In 2018, fruit exports reached 2.3 million tons, 15% less than 2017. Imports grew to 1.6 million tons (+2%). The average export value increased by 5.3% while the average import value by 1.3%.
The drop in shipments was of 15% and determined a drop in revenue of 11%. Imports increased by 2% in quantity and 3% in expenses, which reached €1.4 billion.
Between 2009 and 2018, the incidence of fresh fruit exports on the food and agriculture total was between 6 and 8%, while that of imports was of around 3%.
Main exported products - value
Click here to enlarge. (Image source: ismeamercati.it)
Apples, table grapes, kiwifruits, peaches, nectarines and pears represent 84% of exports in value. The comparison between 2018 and 2009 shows how the percentage has remained unvaried. The 5 points lost by peaches and nectarines were gained by grapes and apples.
The drop in exports concerned all the main outlet markets. In particular, fruit shipments to Spain dropped by 30% in terms of value.
Main imported products - value
Click here to enlarge. (Image source: ismeamercati.it)
Bananas, pineapples, peaches and nectarines, strawberries and kiwifruits represent 61% of fresh fruit imports when it comes to value. The comparison between 2018 and 2009 shows how this percentage dropped by 1 percentage point. Between 2018 and 2009, pear imports almost halved, while raspberry and blackberry quantities increased.
Imports from Spain (+15%), Ecuador and Costa Rica (+5%) are increasing.