Chile apple exports rise 5% and reach decade-high FOB value

Chile apple exports posted one of their strongest first-half performances in recent years, with shipments rising in volume and export revenue reaching the highest average FOB value of the past decade.

According to official data from Chile’s Office of Agricultural Studies and Policies, known as ODEPA, the country exported just over 318,800 tonnes of apples in the first half of 2026. The volume was 5% higher than in the same period of 2025 and 2% above the average for the first halves of the 2021-2025 seasons.

The figures point to a recovery in Chile’s apple sector after several years of adjustment and restructuring. The rebound reflects not only stronger export volumes, but also a more diversified commercial strategy, the gradual introduction of new varieties and sustained improvements in the quality of exported fruit.

Export value outpaces volume recovery

Chile’s first-half apple exports remain below the peak reached in 2018, when shipments totaled 416,700 tonnes. Volumes then declined for several years, affected by changes in international demand, stronger competition from other producing countries and the need to adapt Chile’s export supply to new market conditions.

The low point came in the first half of 2024, when Chile exported 280,100 tonnes of apples. The recovery began the following year, with shipments of around 301,000 tonnes in the first half of 2025, before rising above 318,800 tonnes in 2026.

The improvement is even more significant in value terms. In 2022, one of the sector’s more difficult years, Chile exported 339,300 tonnes of apples for just over $285 million. In the first half of 2026, exports reached $353 million with a smaller volume of 318,800 tonnes.

That contrast reflects stronger prices for Chilean apples in international markets. ODEPA data show that the average FOB export value reached $1.11 per kilogram in the first half of 2026, the highest level of the past decade.

The increase is linked to several factors, including a greater share of premium varieties, better overall fruit quality and a commercial strategy focused on markets with higher purchasing power.

India leads Chile apple exports

Chile exported apples to 52 destinations in the first half of 2026, highlighting the broad reach of the country’s fresh fruit export network. That geographic diversification helps reduce dependence on a small number of buyers and provides greater stability when economic or trade conditions shift in specific markets.

India was the leading destination for Chile apple exports in the period, with purchases of 52,700 tonnes, equivalent to about 16% of total shipments.

The growth of the Indian market was particularly notable. Chilean apple exports to India rose 64% from the first half of 2025 and were 67% above the average for the first halves of the 2021-2025 seasons.

Colombia ranked second, with 47,800 tonnes, followed by Ecuador with 26,100 tonnes and Saudi Arabia with 23,900 tonnes. Together, the four markets absorbed a significant share of Chile’s exportable supply, although the country’s wider destination base limits excessive dependence on any single buyer.

India’s rise reshapes Chile’s export matrix

India’s current role marks one of the most important changes in the commercial structure of Chile’s apple industry. A decade ago, the United States was one of the sector’s dominant markets, importing about 61,500 tonnes of Chilean apples in the first half of 2017.

Since then, the U.S. market has lost relative weight, while India has become the leading buyer of Chilean apples.

India is not a new market for Chilean fruit, however. It has long been a relevant destination, although its import volumes have been volatile. Chilean apple exports to India had already exceeded 50,000 tonnes in the first halves of 2018 and 2021, before falling to just over 14,900 tonnes in 2023.

Since then, shipments have recovered steadily, again surpassing 50,000 tonnes in 2026. The recovery is significant for Chile because of India’s long-term market potential, supported by its large population and expanding middle class.

Restructuring supports higher prices

The improved export performance also reflects a broader transformation of Chile’s apple industry. Chile exported more than 800,000 tonnes of apples in the 2010 season, far above current levels. But changes in global markets forced the industry to rethink its production structure.

That process led to a reduction in planted area and a stronger focus on varieties with higher commercial potential. The shift toward newer and more differentiated apple varieties is now showing results in export values.

Higher FOB prices in recent seasons are closely tied to the growing share of premium varieties, which offer stronger attributes in flavor, color, shelf life and presentation. Quality standards have also improved through new production, harvest and post-harvest technologies.

For exporters, this transformation is key to maintaining competitiveness in a global market where differentiation and added value are becoming increasingly important.

Outlook remains positive

The outlook for the second half of the year remains positive, with industry expectations pointing to continued momentum in the months ahead.

New apple plantings are also being reported in several Chilean production regions, a sign of renewed confidence among growers. The full impact of those investments will only become visible over the medium term, but the trend suggests that the industry sees room for further growth.

Chile’s exportable apple supply could continue expanding in the coming years, supported by higher yields, new varieties, better quality and a more diversified commercial strategy.

For fruit exporters, shipping companies and logistics operators, the performance of Chile apple exports reinforces the country’s position as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s key suppliers of fresh fruit. After years of adjustment, Chile’s apple industry is again gaining relevance in global markets, supported less by sheer volume and more by improved value, destination diversification and product quality.

Source: Más Producción

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