Argentine Cherry Growers Face Mounting Pressure from Chilean Imports & Rising Costs
Argentine cherry producers are expressing serious concerns over increased competition from Chilean imports, notably due to an earlier-than-usual influx of Chilean cherries into the Argentine market. Aníbal Caminiti, head of the Argentine Chamber of Integrated Cherry Producers (CAPCI), reports a surge in Chilean fruit arriving in november, substantially undercutting prices before the domestic harvest even begins.
The disparity in production volume is substantial. Chile currently produces 625,000 tons of cherries annually, dwarfing Argentina’s 14,000 tons. Historically, Chilean cherries entered the Argentine market in December, coinciding with local supply. this year’s early arrival, coupled with a tripling of import volumes in January and February compared to the five-year average, has led to collapsing prices and difficulties for Argentine growers.
Beyond import pressure,Argentine cherry producers are battling escalating production costs. CAPCI highlights particularly high energy costs in provinces like Neuquén, where industrial electricity tariffs have risen over 300% from April 2024 to April 2025, despite the presence of local hydroelectric power. The organization has requested a 50% reduction in VAT on electricity bills from the national government, but has yet to receive a response.
CAPCI is also advocating for broader tax relief and a faster processing of export VAT refunds, which currently face delays exceeding a year, impacting company cash flow. While acknowledging the importance of exchange rates, the organization is prioritizing internal cost reductions as the primary path to restoring competitiveness.
This struggle within the cherry sector reflects a broader decline in Argentina’s fruit export industry. Data from the Argentine Fruit Committee shows fresh fruit exports have fallen from $960 million in 2008 to $560 million in 2024 – a $400 million decrease over 17 years. Despite employing 150,000 people, comparable to the automotive industry, the fruit sector now contributes only 1% to Argentina’s GDP, leading Caminiti to describe it as “almost invisible” to policymakers. Cherry planting itself has remained stagnant for the past 15 years,further highlighting the sector’s challenges. CAPCI believes targeted government policies are crucial to revitalize the industry and support regional economies.
