With the value of their shipments up nearly 70%, Chilean grape exporters from July 2023 to June 2024 had an excellent year shipping to the U.S.
In 2023, Chilean table grape exports to the world totaled $905 million, reaching 72 destinations worldwide. Shipments to the U.S. accounted for 47.8% of Chilean shipments of fresh grapes.
USDA trade numbers show that Chilean grape exports to the U.S. topped $949 million from July 2023 to June 2024, up 69% from the previous season’s value of $562.5 million.
More growth may be ahead. The so-called systems approach for inspection of grapes bound for the U.S. from the Atacama, Coquimbo and Valparaíso regions of Chile is expected to begin later this year, ProChile officials say. Grapes inspected with the systems approach don’t have be fumigated with methyl bromide. Skipping that fumigation step should boost the quality and shelf life of grapes arriving in the U.S. from those regions.
Exports of Chilean fruit showed strength in 2023-24, USDA numbers show.
Chilean plum exports to the U.S. were $52 million for the period, up 28%. Chilean peach shipments topped $54.4 million, off 6% from the previous year.
The following are other leading fruit exports to the U.S. from Chile from July 2023 to June 2024, with the percentage change from the previous year:
- Citrus — $438.5 million, up 33%.
- Berries, excluding strawberries — $338.6 million, up 12%.
- Fresh and frozen strawberries — $52 million, up 7%.
- Kiwifruit — $45.8 million, up 29%.
- Cherries — $75.9 million, down 22%.
- Apples — $55 million, down 27%.
- Avocados — $17.1 million, up 46%.
Andrea Sapag, spokesperson for the Chilean Trade Commission and ProChile, said Chilean fruit exports are showing positive performance and are projected to continue growing in the coming years. In 2024, Chile has reached records in fresh fruit exports, driven by products such as cherries, plums and grapes, she said.
“In the coming years, Chilean fruit exports are expected to continue expanding, supported by opening new markets (especially in Asia) and strengthening logistics infrastructure,” she said. “Chilean authorities and the private sector are working on implementing new technologies, such as electronic phytosanitary certificates, to facilitate and accelerate exports. In addition, the diversification of destinations and the improvement in phytosanitary conditions are positioning Chile as a leader in fruit exports worldwide.”
Chile and the U.S. signed a free trade agreement in 2003. The agreement allowed for the gradual elimination of tariffs on most goods traded between the countries.
Over the past 20 years, Chilean growers and exporters have undergone an evolution driven by a combination of technological advancements, market diversification and a focus on sustainability, said Marcela Martínez Martabid, spokesperson for ProChile.
For example, she said growers have adopted advanced irrigation systems, drones and data analytics, which have allowed growers to increase efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, Chile has also expanded its agricultural portfolio.
“While traditional exports like grapes, apples, and wine remain strong, there has been growth in the production and export of other high-value crops, such as avocados, berries and cherries,” she said. “These products have gained popularity in global markets, contributing to the industry’s growth.”
New season outlook
In an Aug. 20 report, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service reported Chile’s cherry production in marketing year 2024-25 is estimated to reach 500,000 metric tons, a 6.8% increase over marketing year 2023-24.
There is a high demand for Chilean cherries from the Chinese market, which receives over 91% of Chilean cherry export volume, the report said. The USDA report said Chilean cherry exports are forecast to increase by 7.6% in 2024-25, reaching 445,000 metric tons.
For the upcoming 2024-25 marketing season, the USDA report forecasts Chilean nectarine and peach production to total 173,000 metric tons, a 0.6% increase over the previous year. Peach and nectarine exports are forecast to increase by 0.8% in 2024-25, totaling 116,000 metric tons.
China is the top market for Chilean nectarines and peaches as well, though the USDA said the U.S. remains a competitive market for Chilean stone fruit exports and maintains as a market as part of the diversification in Chilean export portfolios.
