Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh plum (ameixa) in Brazil is a seasonal fruit market with meaningful domestic production concentrated in a handful of cooler-climate production poles (notably in the South and Southeast), but the country remains dependent on imports to supply demand. Trade data for HS 080940 shows Brazil as a clear net importer, with imports far exceeding exports, and import supply concentrated in a small number of origins (especially Spain and Chile). The domestic harvest window broadly runs from late October into summer, with southern states supplying later in the season and Santa Catarina reporting peak harvest concentrated in December to February. Market access and continuity of supply are highly sensitive to border sanitary/phytosanitary controls under MAPA’s Vigiagro system, where documentary or physical non-conformities can delay clearance or prevent nationalization of shipments.
Market RoleNet importer with seasonal domestic production (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleSeasonal domestic fresh-fruit supply from defined production poles (Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Paraná, Minas Gerais)
SeasonalityHarvest supply is seasonal: national production starts in late October (earlier poles such as São Paulo and Paraná) and extends through summer, with later supply from southern poles; Santa Catarina reports production from November to March with a strong harvest peak in December–February.
Specification
Primary VarietyPrunus salicina (Japanese plum) cultivars
Secondary Variety- Amarelinha
- América
- Frontier
- Gulf Ruby
- Harry Pickstone
- Irati
Physical Attributes- Cultivar 'Amarelinha': yellow-green skin with red spotting; yellow flesh (reported in Serra do RS evaluations).
- Cultivar 'América': light-red skin with yellow background; yellow flesh (reported in Serra do RS evaluations).
- Cultivar 'Gulf Ruby': red skin; yellow flesh when mature (reported in Serra do RS evaluations).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Domestic: orchard harvest → sorting/grading → packing → refrigerated distribution to wholesale/retail
- Imports: origin packhouse → refrigerated transport (typically reefer) → arrival at Brazilian port/airport → MAPA Vigiagro documentary/physical control → importer distribution
Temperature- Fresh plums are quality-sensitive and require disciplined refrigeration during transport and holding; clearance delays at entry increase deterioration and shrink risk for importers.
Shelf Life- Shelf-life outcomes are highly sensitive to handling damage and time-at-temperature during long-distance import logistics and border inspection holds.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighBorder control under MAPA’s Vigiagro can block entry of fresh plums if documentary or physical requirements are not met; non-conformities that are not correctable can lead to prohibition of nationalization and obligate the importer to return the shipment within the required period, creating acute financial loss for a perishable fruit.Use a pre-shipment compliance checklist aligned to Vigiagro procedures (DAT where applicable, original phytosanitary certificate, consistent lot/label identifiers, and complete customs documents) and pre-align inspection/treatment contingencies with the importer and logistics provider.
Logistics MediumFresh plums are perishable and quality-sensitive; inspection holds, port congestion, or reefer temperature excursions can convert a clearance delay into a commercial loss even if the shipment is ultimately released.Plan buffer time for SPS/customs steps, monitor reefer telemetry, and prioritize routes and terminals with reliable cold-chain handling and inspection capacity.
Climate MediumDomestic Brazilian plum supply can be disrupted by drought and strong-wind events that Embrapa highlights as damaging to the crop and conducive to disease spread, increasing intra-season price and availability volatility.For domestic sourcing, require orchard-level risk plans (irrigation/water management where feasible, windbreaks, and disease monitoring); for procurement, maintain diversified sourcing across production poles and import origins.
Market MediumImport dependence creates exposure to external-origin supply concentration (notably Spain and Chile for HS 080940) and to FX and landed-cost volatility, which can tighten availability during high-demand periods.Diversify approved origins/suppliers and use contracted programs that align delivery windows to Brazil’s domestic seasonality gaps.
Sustainability- Water stress risk: Embrapa notes prolonged drought around planting and before harvest can cause considerable losses in plum production areas, increasing supply variability.
- Wind exposure management: Embrapa notes strong winds can cause mechanical damage and contribute to disease spread, with windbreaks recommended in orchard design.
FAQ
Is Brazil a net importer of fresh plums?Yes. For HS 080940 (plums and sloes, fresh), Brazil’s 2023 imports were about US$50.34 million, while exports were about US$0.10 million, indicating a strong net-import position.
Which countries supply most of Brazil’s fresh plum imports?In 2023 (HS 080940), Brazil’s largest import origins were Spain and Chile, followed by Portugal and Argentina.
When is the main harvest season for Brazilian plums?Embrapa describes Brazil’s harvest starting in late October (with early poles such as São Paulo and Paraná) and extending into February with southern poles. In Santa Catarina, Epagri reports production from November to March, with more than 90% harvested between December and February.
What is the biggest compliance risk for importing fresh plums into Brazil?The most critical risk is failing MAPA Vigiagro border requirements. The Vigiagro manual describes that documentary or physical non-conformities can prevent nationalization and require the importer to return the shipment within the prescribed timeframe, which is especially damaging for a perishable fruit.