Argentina exported 325,500 tons of pears from January to October 2025, the highest volume in the last decade and nearly 3% more than the 316,500 tons exported during the same period last year, according to data from the National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service (Senasa).
The increase, though modest, signals progress for the national fruit industry, both in terms of higher export volumes and foreign currency earnings from one of the country's key agro-export activities. However, despite this annual record, there has been a slowdown in the second half of the year that concerns producers and exporters.
According to Senasa figures, pear exports performed unevenly throughout 2025. In the first quarter, year-on-year growth was 7%, while in the second quarter, it slowed to 6%.
The third quarter showed a shift in trend: external sales decreased by 7% from the same period in 2024, to just over 59,600 tons, compared with 64,300 tons the previous year.
The decline was more pronounced in October, with shipments totaling 13,200 tons, 17% less than the 15,900 tons in the same month in 2024. These figures indicate a slowdown in activity during the second half of the year and are raising concerns across the entire production chain.
Exporters mainly attribute the decrease to the limited availability of high-quality fruit.
The pear remains Argentina's primary export fruit in terms of both volume and value. About 40% of shipments are sent to Brazil, and export values are increasing.
Russia and the United States are tied for second place, each accounting for around 16% of shipments, followed by Mexico, Italy, and Peru. This heavy reliance on the Brazilian market is consistent with the business, offering benefits from its proximity and size, but also carrying risks if demand from neighboring countries changes.
Although pear shipments are slowing down, Argentine apple exports continue to grow. In the first ten months of 2025, they reached 81,600 tons, which is 21% more than the same period in 2024, when the country exported 67,100 tons.
Unlike pears, apple shipments performed well every quarter of the year. Even in October, when there was a slight slowdown, shipments still increased by 2% year over year.
The increased availability of fruit and high-quality harvests enabled sustained exports and domestic supply amid rising prices. In the Upper Valley of Río Negro and Neuquén, prices paid to producers for high-quality apples reached up to 1,000 pesos per kilogram, driven by strong demand and product quality.
Source: masp.lmneuquen.com
