Alliaceous vegetables market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the South American market for fresh or chilled alliaceous vegetables in volume terms experienced a contraction in 2020 to 4.8 million tons, followed by a gradual recovery to 4.9 million tons in 2023, remaining below the 2018 peak of 5.1 million tons.

Measured in value, the market showed a different trajectory, dropping to 4.0 billion dollars in 2019 before climbing consistently to 4.8 billion dollars in 2023, indicating a rise in unit prices or a shift toward higher-value products.

In 2024, key developments included the launch of a 5-billion-peso government aid fund in Argentina to support fruit and vegetable production against adverse weather, alongside broader trends like growing consumer preference for healthy, sustainable produce and improvements in cold chain infrastructure, which supported market stability.

Production alliaceous vegetables in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

Production of alliaceous vegetables in South America has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, South America produced 4 810 K t of alliaceous vegetables, marking a 4.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 6.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, the value of alliaceous vegetables production in South America saw an uptick. In 2020, the output was valued at 3 996 M $ US, representing a 1.8% increase from the year before. However, over the broader span from 2017 to 2020, production value dropped by 27.4%, averaging an annual decrease of 10.1%. The lowest point was in 2019, at 3 925 M $ US, while the sharpest decline occurred in 2018, with a 23.3% drop.

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

Exports alliaceous vegetables from South America

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of alliaceous vegetables from South America have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 467.2 K t, a 14.9% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 53.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 15.4%.

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

An analysis of export volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a wide distribution across numerous markets. The United States accounted for 28.4% of exports, Spain for 7.8%, and Mexico for 3.1%. Together, these three countries made up 39.4% of total flows, while the remaining 60.6% was spread among other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of alliaceous vegetables exports from South America has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, export value amounted to 388.1 M $ US, showing a 22.6% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 19.8%, which averages out to an annual increase of 6.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 284.1 M $ US, and the largest decline also occurred in 2018, with a 12.3% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the value of alliaceous vegetables exports from South America was characterized by a broad spread across markets. The United States held 23.0% of export value, Mexico 9.7%, and Spain 6.0%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 38.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports alliaceous vegetables to South America

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of alliaceous vegetables into South America have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 466.9 K t, up by 15.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 50.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the main supplier of alliaceous vegetables to South America, accounting for 26.2% of import volume, followed by the Netherlands at 7.7% and Spain at 4.7%. Together, these three countries comprised 38.6% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of alliaceous vegetables imports into South America has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 445.8 M $ US, a 16.1% increase from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 12%, averaging an annual increase of 3.8%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 292.0 M $ US, with the largest decline also in 2018 at 26.7%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 31.6% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, China consistently led in the value of alliaceous vegetables imports into South America, accounting for 36.5% of the total. Spain followed with 7.1%, and the Netherlands with 3.2%. Together, these three countries made up 46.8% of total import flows.

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

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