Prunes: global production to decline by 7%
November 26, 2025 at 11:48 AM ,
Der AUDITOR
Lower production in the USA
In November, the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) published its updated estimates for global prune production. With a result of 191,250 mt, around 7% fewer prunes were produced than in the previous year. The main reason for this decline is lower yields in countries such as the USA. Although the plum crop here is expected to reach an optimal sugar content in 2025, the aftermath of last year's drought meant that the crop was smaller from the outset. US prune production is currently estimated at 59,000 mt, a decline of 14.4% compared to last year. The crop in Argentina was also significantly lower, and France recorded a slight decline.
Chile, however, not only remains the main growing region this season, but has even increased its production by 0.8% to 74,000 mt this year. The outlook for the 2026 crop is not bad, but the weather does pose a few risks. According to a report by Chile Prunes, the main growing regions are expected to have had around 100 fewer hours of sufficient chilling time during the Chilean winter. In addition, the trees started the season almost a week late, although this is likely to be offset later on. Furthermore, heavy rainfall in September and October led to a rainy spring, which necessitated the increased use of pesticides, as the trees are particularly susceptible to mould during the flowering period.
|
Global prune production, in mt |
|||
|
Country |
2024/25 |
2025/26 |
Diff. |
|
Chile |
73,390 |
74,000 |
0.8% |
|
USA |
68,900 |
59,000 |
-14.4% |
|
France |
30,500 |
30,000 |
-1.6% |
|
Argentina |
25,000 |
18,000 |
-28.0% |
|
Serbia |
4,800 |
5,000 |
4.2% |
|
Australia |
820 |
3,000 |
265.9% |
|
Italy |
1,600 |
2,000 |
25.0% |
|
South Africa |
541 |
250 |
-53.8% |
|
Total |
205,551 |
191,250 |
-7.0% |
|
INC, November 2025 |
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EU increases imports by 8%
Between 1 January and 16 November 2025, the EU imported a total of 33,499 mt of prunes worth EUR 110.868 million from third countries, representing an 8% increase in import volume compared to last year. However, the import value fell by 3.4% due to the lower average price. At EUR 3.31/kg, the average import price during this period was significantly lower than last year (EUR 3.46/kg).
Shipments from Chile rose significantly during the above-mentioned period, with EU imports at 19,008 mt around 9.3% above the previous year's volume. Shipments from Serbia and Uzbekistan also increased. In contrast, exports from the USA, Argentina and Moldova were significantly lower.
Germany imported around 7,270 mt of prunes, which is 71.5% more than at this time last year. While shipments to Poland also increased (+16.1% to 4,040 mt), Spain (-2.7% to 4,770 mt), Italy (-6.2% to 4,100 mt) and the Netherlands (-31.3% to 2,190 mt) recorded a decline in imports.
|
EU prune imports, in mt |
|||
|
Partner |
2024 |
2025 |
Diff. |
|
Chile |
17,393 |
19,008 |
9.3% |
|
USA |
3,913 |
3,475 |
-11.2% |
|
Argentina |
3,129 |
3,063 |
-2.1% |
|
Moldova |
2,874 |
2,698 |
-6.1% |
|
Serbia |
1,768 |
2,219 |
25.5% |
|
Uzbekistan |
839 |
1,474 |
75.7% |
|
Turkey |
611 |
874 |
43.0% |
|
Others |
477 |
688 |
44.2% |
|
Total |
31,004 |
33,499 |
8.0% |
|
DG AGRI TAXUD Customs Surveillance System, 01/01-16/11 08132000 Dried prunes |
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