Chilean grape exports expected up, but apple and pears lower
Chilean grape production and exports for 2021-22 will rise, but pears and apple exports will sink, according to a new USDA report.
The report said that Chilean table grape production for 2021-22 will increase by 15.2%, reaching 760,000 metric tons. The rebound in production is linked to increased productivity because of normalized climatic conditions, the report said. In 2020-21, rainfall damaged the table grape crop in the last week of January, sinking production by 15.3%.
Despite this season’s higher output, the USDA report noted that Chilean table grape planted area of 106,500 acres this year has declined over the past decade, dropping 5% compared with last season and down 10% compared with two years ago. Drought also has caused a decline in table grape production capacity, and the report said that problem continues this season.
Exports of grapes to all markets are forecast at 600,000 metric tons, up 14.2% compared with a year ago.
USDA trade statistics from October through March this year show that U.S. imports of Chilean grapes totaled 181,698 metric tons, down 7% from 194,611 metric tons for the same period a year ago. The value of U.S. imports of Chilean grapes from October through March was $490.6 million, up 4% from $471.4 million for the same period a year ago.
The USDA report said the decrease in grape exports early in the season is because of logistical delays in Chilean ports.
According to the Chilean Association of Fruit Producers, freight costs increased significantly in this season, making it “economically inviable” for some fruit producers to export.
“However, monthly exports volumes showed an increase in March 2022,” the report said. “Further, post sources indicate that export volume increased significantly in April, when the bulk of table grapes are shipped .”
Last season, the U.S. accounted for 48.5% of Chilean table grape exports, with China ranking second with 14.9% of Chile’s global grape shipments. The report said Chile is seeking a systems approach to improve market access to the U.S. for the Chilean growing regions of Atacama, Coquimbo, and Valparaiso.
“A systems approach would benefit the three Chilean regions by helping them avoid using methyl bromide fumigation to mitigate against European grapevine moth,” the report said. Fumigation significantly decreases the quality and shelf life of the fruit, which the report said results in lower prices from retailers. In addition, fumigated product is ineligible to be certified USDA organic.
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service published a Pest Risk Analysis associated with the systems approach on Feb 14, 2022. The comment period ended on March 29, 2022, and regulators are currently reviewing the comments, the report said.
Apples and pears
The report said Chilean apple production for 2021-22 is forecast at 1.04 million metric tons, a 4.8% decrease compared with last season, reflecting lower planted area. Chilean Apple exports are forecast down 5.2% to 610,000 metric tons, the report said.
Pear acreage also has dropped, and the USDA projects pear production 6.9% lower, at 215,000 metric tons. Chilean pear exports will decrease by 11.5% and total 112,000 metric tons, the report said. An increase in shipping costs forced many producers to sell fruit for processing, according to the report.
