Chilean agriculture projected to grow 2% in 2026

The Chilean agricultural sector is projected to see a 2.0% expansion in its silvo-agricultural GDP in 2026, according to a sectoral report by Valor Raíz. While total fruit exports for the 2025/26 season reached US$8,540 million—a 4% increase from the previous cycle—the industry is experiencing a divergence between different product categories.

Nut crops are driving significant growth, with export values rising 85.5% to US$1,285 million. European hazelnuts are a primary engine of this expansion, with exports reaching US$563 million and significant production capacity still expected to come online from existing plantations.

In contrast, the fresh fruit sector faced challenges, with exports declining 1.7% during the season. Cherries, which account for 47% of fresh fruit exports, saw record volumes of 113.8 million boxes, but producer prices dropped significantly to approximately US$1.9 per kilo, down from US$4 in the 2023/24 season due to oversupply. Additionally, the sector faces high commercial concentration, with 87% of cherry shipments directed to China.