Shipments down 30 per cent year-on-year due to production setbacks and strong domestic demand
Argentine apple exports totalled 12,900 tonnes in the first quarter of 2026, representing a year-on-year drop of 30 per cent and an 18 per cent fall on the five-year average. The data, from plant health authority Senasa, represent the lowest export levels of the past ten years and is almost half the volume shipped in the first three months of 2020, when more than 24,800 tonnes of apples were exported.
As reported in Mas Producción, the main cause behind this export collapse is the sharp drop in apple production in the Upper Valley of Río Negro and Neuquén, the country’s main producing region. According to industry estimates, this season’s harvest is estimated to have decreased by approximately 40 per cent compared to the previous season. This was caused by the impact of frosts during flowering, followed by hail storms that impacted fruit development. Production was also affected by this being a biennial bearing year.
Brazil was once again the main buyer of Argentine apples during the first quarter, taking just over 4,700 tonnes or 37 per cent of total exports. Paraguay was second with 3,100 tonnes, followed by Bolivia with 1,800 tonnes.
“This pattern confirms a trend that has been consolidating in recent years: the growing dependence on regional markets, to the detriment of traditional destinations located further afield,” Más Producción noted.
Ten years ago, Russia was the second biggest market for Argentine apples after Paraguay, but this market has practically disappeared today. Brazil, in contrast, has steadily gained prominence, positioning itself as one of the main destinations for Argentine apples.
Another factor behind the fall in exports is the growing importance of the domestic market. Prices in the domestic market have been rising, both in local currency and in dollars, creating an incentive for producers to prioritise domestic sales over exports.
According to analysts, the local market offers a number of additional advantages, such as faster payments, less logistical complexity, and reduced transport costs.
Looking ahead to the remainder of 2026, indications are that supply will remain limited, hindering a significant recovery in exports. Only a significant improvement in international demand and prices could alter this scenario.
