With the conclusion of the Mexican mango season, South American exports are ramping up on a weekly basis, with the U.S. being a primary destination.
Brazil started shipping in August and, as of early November, the country had moved 5.7 million boxes of a total expected volume of 7.6 million boxes for the season, according to Agraria.
Brazil is the fourth-largest supplier of mangos to the U.S., after Mexico, Peru and Ecuador. However, last season it ranked third on this list, as Ecuadorian and Peruvian production was affected by poor weather conditions.
The National Mango Board of Orlando, FL reports Brazil will be exporting more fruit to Europe, and shipments to the United States are expected to be down nearly 38 percent from a year ago.
Additionally, Ecuador’s mango exports to the U.S. started earlier and stronger this season, expecting to be over 160 percent higher than in 2023. As a result, Brazil is looking to the European market.
Ecuador is expected to play a much larger role in supplying mangos to the U.S. market compared to last year. During the 2023-2024 season, the country’s mango production was hit hard by El Niño, resulting in a significant decline in volumes.
Last year, the Ecuador exported about 5 million boxes of mangos compared to 14 million in a normal year. This year, Ecuador is expected to return to normal, with an estimated volume of 14 million boxes for the U.S. market.
Peru, the second largest supplier of mangos to the US., also expects a much better season. Last year, the country saw a 74 percent reduction in volume shipped as a result of adverse weather conditions. Instead of the 6.1 million boxes shipped last year, Peru expects to get back on track this year, with an estimated shipment of more than 23 million boxes to the U.S., from early October to early March 2025.
Peru expects to hit the milestone of shipping one million boxes per week during the holiday season.