Prunes: lower production anticipated

June 3, 2024 at 9:34 AM , Der AUDITOR
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REUS/BRUSSELS. Global prune production will decline in nearly all leading producing countries in 2024/2025. EU imports have dipped to a three-year low this year.

12% decline in global production

Global production is set to decline by 12% in 2024/2025 as compared with 2023/2024 according to the figures presented at the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) Congress in Vancouver. Output will drop in nearly all leading producing countries with the noted exceptions of France, Italy and South Africa. Although production is expected to decline by 7%, the US will remain the leading producer, followed by Chile where production will slump by 19%. Expectation is also that total supplies will witness a more moderate downturn of 4%, from 284,758 mt in 2023/2024 to 273,050 mt in 2024/2025.

Global prune production (mt)

Country

2023/24

2024/25

Diff.

USA

70,000

65,000

-7.2%

Chile

68,000

55,000

-19.2%

France

40,000

40,000

0.0%

Argentina

33,000

25,000

-24.3%

Serbia

5,000

4,800

-4.0%

Australia

2,500

1,500

-40.0%

Italy

1,450

1,500

3.4%

South Africa

604

750

24.2%

Total

220,554

193,550

-12.3%

California Prune Board, Chile Prunes Association and other INC sources
INC, May 2024

EU imports at three-year low

The EU imported 15,796 mt of prunes worth EUR 56 million between January and May 2024. This is not only 8% down in terms of volume and 13% down in terms of value on the 17,209 mt worth EUR 65 million recorded in the same period last year but also marks a three-year low. Chile has remained the top supplying country for the EU this year so far with shipments rising by 17%. Contrary to this, imports from the US have slumped by 23%, whereas shipments from Moldova are relatively flat.

Poland presently accounts for 19% of all EU imports (3,000 mt), followed by Italy with 15% (2,400 mt) and Spain with 13% (2,000 mt). Next in line are Germany with 11% (1,800 mt) and the Netherlands with 9% (1,400 mt).

EU prune imports (kg)

Country

2023

2024

Diff.

Chile

7,531,514

8,796,331

16.8%

USA

2,455,652

1,887,054

-23.2%

Moldova

1,799,462

1,787,883

-0.7%

Argentina

892,972

1,265,703

41.7%

Serbia

1,917,193

943,740

-50.8%

Uzbekistan

2,069,661

577,438

-72.1%

Turkey

350,799

341,775

-2.6%

Algeria

3

42,001

-

Iran

63,733

36,965

-42.0%

EU

569

36,677

6,345.9%

Afghanistan

3,712

20,596

454.8%

Others

123,921

60,332

-51.4%

Total

17,209,191

15,796,495

-8.2%

DG Taxud’s Customs Surveillance system, 01/01-31/05
HS Code 08132000 Dried, prunes

 

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