Asparagus market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

The asparagus market volume in MERCOSUR expanded from 12 121 tonnes in 2018 to 12 259 tonnes in 2019. This growth was driven by increasing consumer awareness of health benefits and culinary innovation, which boosted demand for fresh asparagus. Higher disposable incomes in the region and the entry of new producers further stimulated domestic consumption and production.

Market volume contracted to 11 541 tonnes by 2021, primarily due to supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a concurrent rise in demand for healthy and convenient foods, logistical challenges and adjustments to new sanitary regulations temporarily constrained market size. Changes in labeling and traceability rules for fresh produce in some member countries also introduced transitional effects on market operations.

Recovery began in 2022, with volume reaching 11 691 tonnes by 2023. Significant investment in cold-chain infrastructure helped reduce post-harvest losses and improve distribution efficiency. Concurrently, regulatory updates on phytosanitary standards and intra-bloc market access facilitated smoother trade, supporting the market's gradual stabilization.

Production asparagus in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of asparagus, 2017-2020

World map of production of asparagus, 2017-2020

Asparagus production in MERCOSUR has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 11 016 tonnes, marking a 2.4% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 6.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in MERCOSUR in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports asparagus from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with a 246-fold difference between the peak in 2017 and the low in 2018. In 2020, cross-border shipments of asparagus from MERCOSUR totaled 4 tonnes, showing a sharp year-over-year increase of 30.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 0.4 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 99.6%, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a surge of 790.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and the United Arab Emirates were the primary markets for exports in kind, together accounting for 83.0% of total flows. Other destinations had relatively smaller shares during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Export volumes peaked in 2017 and declined to their lowest level in 2018, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 162 times. In 2020, asparagus exports from MERCOSUR amounted to 28 000 US dollars, showing an intense year-over-year advance of 40.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 2 000 US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a decrease of 99.4%, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a rise of 718.4%.

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

Over the period 2017 to 2020, the United States, with 62.8% of exports in value terms, the United Arab Emirates at 16.7%, and the Netherlands at 6.1%, remained the leading destinations in the country structure of exports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 85.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports asparagus to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, t

Foreign asparagus supplies to MERCOSUR declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports registered 695 tonnes, amounting to a fall of 53.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 44.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 17.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 596 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 27.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Peru effectively monopolized imports in kind of asparagus to MERCOSUR, accounting for 99.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Asparagus volumes imported by MERCOSUR declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 3 945 000 US dollars, reflecting an abrupt decline of 42.5% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 38.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -15.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 7 125 000 US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 10.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner base for imports in value terms was extremely narrow, with Peru alone responsible for 99.9% of total flows.

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

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