Growing production drives up global nectarine and peach exports, USDA says

The US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) projects global nectarine and peach exports at 25 million tons in the 2026/27 season, representing a five percent year-on-year uptick. 

According to data published in September in the Fresh Peaches and Cherries:World Markets and Trade report, the main force driving growth is production expansion in the leading producing regions: China and the European Union. 

Thanks to favorable weather conditions and the expansion of greenhouse adoption, FAS expects the Asian Giant to ship 17.3 million metric tons of stone fruit during the current season. The estimate remains steady compared to last year’s total, reflecting a slight 1.8 percent uptick. 

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Trailing behind is the European Union, which the agency says is expected to expand nectarine and peach shipments by 360,000 metric tons, totaling 3.5 million tons. This 10 percent year-on-year growth is driven by the expected recovery of regional leading producers Spain and Greece, which last year saw significant production decline due to weather disruptions. 

However, the biggest comeback in the region is Türkiye, which is expected to rebound to a record 1.2 million metric tons. According to FAS, this estimate corresponds to year–on-year growth of nearly 100 percent after frost damage nearly decimated production in 2025/26.

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Across the pond, nectarine and peach exports from the United States are forecast to drop 12 percent year over year. The agency expects shipments will reach 660,000 metric tons, 92,000 tons less than last year. 

FAS explains that the decline stems directly from weaker domestic demand for processed peaches, which has led to lower production in California, one of the leading growing states in the category. 

Nectarine and peach trade and consumption are up

Given this positive outlook on the production and export fronts, the USDA also forecasts expanding consumption in 2026/27. 

“If realized, this recovery brings global production and consumption to the second-highest level behind 2024/25,” reads the document. 

With rising consumption, trade is also forecast to soar, growing 10 percent year on year and reaching one million metric tons. Import expansion is expected to be driven by higher demand from Russia and Iraq, which are poised to absorb growing Turkish production. 

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Another country winning the export game is Chile, driven by growing nectarine volumes as peach acreage is repurposed for the segment. The country is expected to ship around 150,000 metric tons of both peaches and nectarines, a nearly nine percent year-on-year increase from 138,000 tons exported in 2025/26. 

*All images are referential. 

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