Alliaceous vegetables market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market volume for alliaceous vegetables in Belgium expanded significantly, rising from 260.8 thousand tonnes to 437.0 thousand tonnes. This growth was supported by a resilient EU consumption trend, which boosted demand despite supply chain disruptions. Belgium's established position as a major exporter of these vegetables indicated a strong production base.

In 2022, the market volume dropped sharply to 323.6 thousand tonnes. The decline was primarily driven by global disruptions, notably the war in Ukraine, which increased production costs through higher energy and fertilizer prices. This outweighed continued consumer preferences for fresh, organic, and locally produced vegetables.

By 2023, the market stabilized with a slight increase to 328.9 thousand tonnes. Demand remained underpinned by health-conscious trends and growing interest in plant-based diets within Belgium and the EU, allowing the market to recover partially from the previous year's cost shock.

Production alliaceous vegetables in Belgium

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

Belgium's production of alliaceous vegetables has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 323.6 thousand tons, showing a moderate year-over-year increase of 3.2%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 15.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 235.2 thousand tons, when output fell by 16.3%—the largest decline during this timeframe. In contrast, 2019 saw the biggest increase, with production jumping by 33.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of Belgium's alliaceous vegetables production reached 227.9 million US dollars, marking a modest decrease of 8.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 11.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 159.1 million US dollars, when it dropped by 21.9%—the largest decline. The highest value occurred in 2019 at 248.9 million US dollars, representing the largest increase of 56.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports alliaceous vegetables from Belgium

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of decline, Belgium's exports of alliaceous vegetables increased in 2020. Export volumes reached 106.4 thousand tons, showing a limited year-over-year gain of 5.5%. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 11.7%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 4.1%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 100.8 thousand tons, while the largest drop occurred in 2018 with a 13.4% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, three main markets—France, the Netherlands, and Spain—collectively accounted for 63.0% of Belgium's total alliaceous vegetable exports in volume terms.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Belgium in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of Belgium's alliaceous vegetable exports totaled 74 939 thousand US dollars, representing a 6.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 14.2%, with an average annual decline of 5.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 70 494 thousand US dollars, when it dropped by 19.3%—the largest decline. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 13.4% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belgium in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, France (32.0% of export value), Germany (14.4%), and Spain (13.4%) were the principal destinations for Belgium's alliaceous vegetable exports in value terms, together making up 59.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Belgium in value, 2017-2020

Imports alliaceous vegetables to Belgium

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Belgium's imports of alliaceous vegetables increased in 2020. Import volumes reached 129.9 thousand tons, up by 8.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 8.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.9%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 120.2 thousand tons, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with an 8.6% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017-2020, the Netherlands (58.9% of import volume), France (13.3%), and Spain (12.3%) were the leading sources for Belgium's alliaceous vegetable imports in volume terms, jointly accounting for 84.6% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belgium in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of Belgium's alliaceous vegetable imports totaled 97 989 thousand US dollars, down by 0.8% compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 92 536 thousand US dollars, when it fell by 7.2%—the largest decline. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 6.8% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belgium in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (50.6% of import value), France (21.1%), and Spain (14.1%) formed the key group of partners for Belgium's alliaceous vegetable imports in value terms, together representing 85.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belgium in value, 2017-2020