Brazil more than doubles apple exports to Europe following harvest recovery

Brazil increased its apple exports to Europe by 104% in volume and 111% in value in 2026 compared with 2025. Shipments rose from 7.3 thsd tons to 14.94 thsd tons, while export revenues increased from $7.5 mln to $15.83 mln. The main driver of this growth was the recovery in apple production following four years of poor harvests, while improved trade conditions between the EU and Mercosur countries provided additional support to exports.

The Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul made the largest contribution to the increase in shipments, accounting for 61.3% of the country’s total apple exports to Europe, or 9.16 thsd tons. Export revenues generated by producers in the state reached $9.43 mln, representing almost 60% of the national total. Apple shipments from the state directly to the European Union, excluding the United Kingdom and Russia, increased by 70% to 7.46 thsd tons, with their value reaching $7.66 mln.

According to Rafael de Oliveira, vice-president of the Rio Grande do Sul Apple Growers Association (Agapomi), the agreement between the EU and Mercosur has supported trade expansion by eliminating import duties that previously averaged around 10%. However, the decisive factor was the increase in Brazilian apple production following several seasons of poor harvests. At the same time, the European market remains challenging for Brazilian suppliers due to strict phytosanitary requirements, particularly regarding maximum pesticide residue levels in fruit.

Overall, Brazil exported around 50 thsd tons of apples in 2026, with Rio Grande do Sul accounting for approximately 76% of the total. India, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia remain the main buyers of Brazilian apples, collectively accounting for around 70% of exports. Shipments could have been even higher, but they were constrained by harvest delays and logistical difficulties related to the conflict in the Middle East.

Brazilian producers expect apple exports to increase further in 2027, partly due to a smaller harvest of Gala apples in Europe. According to industry representatives, this could create additional opportunities for Brazilian supplies in the European market. However, prospects for the next harvest will depend on weather conditions, particularly rainfall in October and November. Under favorable conditions, the industry expects to double its total export volumes next season compared with 2026.

Tags: apples, export, Brazil, EU