Argentina Exports 2025 – Pears and Lemons Maintain Their Leadership

2025 ended with fresh fruit exports higher than in the previous three years, although still below historical levels. Total exports reached 770,000 tons, with a value of USD 604 million. In volume terms, this represents an increase of 7% compared with 2024 and 8% compared with the average of the last three years. In value terms, the increase was 13% and 19%, respectively.

The sharpest decline in fresh fruit exports occurred in 2022 and 2023, corresponding to the final years of the Kirchner administration, when economic instability and extremely high inflation dominated the Argentine economy. The administration of Javier Milei has managed to stabilize and reorganize the economy, reduce inflation, and provide greater predictability. This has benefited the fruit sector and translated into an increase in exports. However, the recovery has been weaker than expected. This is partly due to the difficult legacy of years of crisis and deterioration, but also because fruit production is not a priority for the current government. The administration is focusing on the economically stronger sectors within Argentina, such as large-scale agriculture and mining. Regional economies remain in the background and continue to face very complex conditions and a lack of competitiveness. The so-called “Argentine cost” remains very high, reducing the competitiveness of local products. The tax burden exceeds that of other countries and, despite promises, it has not yet been eased. This is compounded by deteriorated infrastructure. In a country as vast as Argentina, with transport distances to ports often longer than those of its competitors, the poor condition of the road network represents a serious challenge. Labor reform has not yet materialized. Foreign trade, with a lack of trade agreements and relatively high tariffs, is another factor limiting export growth.

This explains why the two flagship fruits, pears and lemons, are able to maintain an active presence in global trade thanks to their competitive advantages. Both fruits have found ideal growing conditions in Argentina, allowing for efficient production and the achievement of very high-quality fruit. Production volumes are high, ranking among the top in the world. Their industries also benefit from large-scale production. Together, they have accounted for around 70% of Argentina’s fresh fruit exports for many years.

The situation is different for the remaining fruits. They also produce very good quality fruit, often superior to that of other countries, but they do not have the same competitive advantages as lemons and pears. As a result, their trade has not been able to fully develop: fresh exports remain limited and have not managed to surpass a certain level. Most of their production is destined for the domestic market, while a portion is processed by the industry.

Pear: 336,000 tons were exported, a volume similar to that of 2024 (-2%), but higher than in the previous three years. Latin America continues to strengthen its leadership, receiving more than 50% of total exports. In particular, the Brazilian market values Argentine pears and purchases the largest volumes. Shipments have also expanded to Mexico and Peru, and to a lesser extent to Paraguay, Ecuador, and Colombia. Among overseas destinations, the main markets, in order of importance, are the U.S.A., Russia, and the European Union. The latter was, many years ago, the main buyer of Argentine pears, but due to the expansion of its own production and changes in varietal preferences, it has significantly reduced its purchases.

Lemon: After the collapse of fresh exports in 2024, a partial recovery was achieved. In 2025, exports reached 217,000 tons, representing a +27% increase compared with 2024, although still below the historical level of 250,000 tons. Europe once again concentrated the largest share of exports (46%), followed by Eastern Europe. The U.S.A., after importing record volumes in 2023 and 2024, recorded a decline partly associated with changes in U.S. foreign policy, importing only 49,000 tons. Unlike most other fruits, Latin America is a secondary destination for Argentine lemons.

Apple: It was a good year for Argentine apples, as exports once again exceeded 90,000 tons, after three years in which they barely reached 70,000 tons. Brazil is clearly the main market, followed by other neighboring countries such as Paraguay and Bolivia. Overseas shipments are limited and are mainly concentrated in the Pink Lady variety and in organic apples.