1. Weekly News

Argentina

Severe Crisis Hits Mango Farmers in Argentina’s Formosa Province

In Argentina's Formosa province, mango farmers face a severe crisis. Over 7 million kilograms (kg) of mangoes, which represent 90% of the 2024/25 production cycle, are left to rot. This is due to inadequate infrastructure for proper storage and minimal government support. The mango crop in Laguna Naineck spans 400 hectares (ha) and yields up to 8 million kg annually. Initially promoted as a diversification strategy for the region's agriculture, mango farming now faces catastrophic losses. Many mangoes are abandoned in fields or repurposed as animal feed, while cheaper imports create unfair competition, further straining local producers. Though initiatives, such as distributing 3 thousand kg of mangoes in Laguna Blanca, provide temporary relief, farmers urgently demand provincial and national intervention to improve market access, regulate imports, and safeguard the future of mango cultivation in the region.

Ecuador

Ecuador's Mango Exports Achieves Growth Despite Challenges

Ecuador's mango exports have shown notable growth, increasing exports from 12 million to 15 million boxes over the past seven years, despite challenges like overlapping harvests with Brazil that have caused price drops. The Tommy Atkins variety remains dominant, representing 60% of shipments, while Kent and Ataúlfo varieties are gaining traction. With 97% of exports directed to the United States (US) and limited local market absorption, industry leaders stress the importance of diversifying export markets to reduce dependence on a single destination and sustain profitability. This season's favorable weather, characterized by low temperatures and minimal rainfall, has enhanced yields and fruit quality, further strengthening Ecuador's standing in the global mango market.

Peru

Peruvian Mango Exports Recover Strongly in 2024/25 Season

Peruvian mango exports have made a strong recovery in the 2024/25 season following a challenging 2023/24 campaign that saw a 67% decline in volume and a 32% drop in value due to adverse weather. By Dec-24, exports reached 153.3 thousand tons valued at USD 229 million. This represents an impressive 307% year-on-year (YoY) increase in volume and 156% YoY growth in value. Fresh mangoes dominated exports, accounting for 81%, while frozen varieties contributed 17%.

Improved weather conditions, with temperatures below 18 degrees Celsius (°C) in key mango-producing regions such as Piura and Ancash, supported better flowering and higher yields. However, the ongoing water crisis has caused early ripening, creating overlaps in export campaigns and pressuring prices, which have fallen to an average of USD 1.49/kg. The campaign is expected to conclude early, with total volumes projected between 200 thousand and 230 thousand tons. Despite challenges related to climate and water shortages, the rebound underscores Peru's resilience and potential in the global mango market.

Peru's Mango Exports Surge with Strong Demand from the US Market

Peru’s mango exports to the US have experienced a significant surge this season. They are projected to reach 18.9 million boxes by the close of the 2024/25 season, a remarkable 217% YoY increase. However, this is still 14% below the 2022/23 season. The Kent variety continues to dominate US shipments, with peak arrivals expected to taper off by mid-Feb-25. Despite facing challenges such as drought, logistical hurdles, and shipping delays, Peruvian mangoes have upheld their reputation for high quality and exceptional flavor. As Peru's season ends, a temporary supply gap is anticipated in Feb-25 and Mar-25, with Mexico’s volumes unlikely to rise until late Mar-25 or Apr-25, potentially boosting market demand during this period.

Lambayeque Mango Farmers Struggle with Crisis Due to Overproduction

Mango farmers in Peru's Lambayeque region face a severe crisis marked by overproduction, plummeting prices, and insufficient government support. After low production in 2023 due to climate disruptions, the current bumper crop in 2024 has caused export prices to drop to USD 0.50/kg. Local prices have also fallen to USD 0.20/kg, well below production costs. This surplus has led to abandoned mangoes in fields, increasing the risk of pests like fruit flies and threatening future harvests. Farmers are calling for state intervention to purchase excess mangoes for social programs and to address rising transportation and labor costs. Their desperation has escalated into protests, including plans to dump 100 tons of mangoes on the Panamericana Norte highway, as they seek urgent measures to protect their livelihoods in one of Peru's key agro-export regions.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Mango Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Mango Pricing Important Exporters (W3 2024 to W3 2025)

Peru

Mango prices in Peru declined by 6.67% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 0.28/kg in W3, showing a 20% month-on-month (MoM) decrease and a 75% YoY drop. The price decline is due to overproduction in the Lambayeque region, which led to an oversupply of mangoes, significantly lowering prices. The bumper crop, following last year's low production, has caused an imbalance between supply and demand, contributing to the sharp drop in prices. Furthermore, local prices have fallen below production costs, leading to the abandonment of mangoes in fields, exacerbating the situation. The ongoing water crisis and early ripening have also added pressure to the market.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Address Mango Overproduction Crisis in Lambayeque Region

Mango farmers in Lambayeque must take immediate action to manage the overproduction crisis. Given the surplus of mangoes, farmers should explore alternative markets or diversify their offerings, such as processing the fruit into value-added products like dried mangoes or juices, which could help mitigate the price decline. Collaborating with exporters to explore more niche international markets might also help stabilize prices. Additionally, establishing short-term partnerships with local retailers or creating bulk sales channels could prevent further losses. Farmers should also work together to coordinate transportation and labor costs effectively, minimizing wastage and mitigating pest risks.

Maximize Mango Export Opportunities Despite Supply Gap

Peruvian mango exporters should capitalize on the upcoming supply gap between Feb-25 and Mar-25, as Mexico’s volumes are expected to remain low. They should target aggressive marketing and distribution strategies to ensure that their mangoes meet the market demand, especially in the US. Exporters should focus on maintaining the high quality of Kent variety shipments to reinforce Peru’s reputation in the market. In the short term, they should also explore alternative shipping methods to address logistical hurdles and ensure timely delivery, preventing delays that could impact the competitive edge.

Sources: Tridge, Agraria, Eltribunodejujuy, Freshplaza, Infobae, Portalfruticola, Prensalibreformosa