Aubergines market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the fresh aubergine market in Latin America and the Caribbean experienced a sustained contraction in volume. Production declined from 294.5 thousand tonnes to 221.4 thousand tonnes, while the total market size available for domestic consumption fell from 226.4 thousand tonnes to 123.8 thousand tonnes. This overall reduction occurred alongside Mexico's consistent position as the world's third-largest exporter of fresh aubergines, with a stable share of approximately 13.7% of global trade.

The market was characterized by highly concentrated export flows, with over 98% of Mexican shipments directed to the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Production was notably seasonal, with around 80% of the annual harvest typically completed within the first five months of the year, creating a predictable surplus for the export market. Throughout the period, no major regulatory changes, shifts in labeling requirements, or significant entries or exits of large-scale producers were reported that would have fundamentally reshaped supply.

By 2024, the export value from key Mexican producing states like Sinaloa and Sonora reached $128.7 million, underscoring continued strong international demand. However, this export-oriented dynamic coincided with a declining volume of aubergines remaining for regional consumption, contributing to the smaller market size.

Production aubergines in Latin America and the Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of aubergines, 2017-2020

World map of production of aubergines, 2017-2020

Following two years of growth, Latin America and the Caribbean's aubergine production volume declined. In 2019, production reached its peak at 304.7 thousand tonnes, representing a 3.5% increase from the previous year. However, in 2020, production fell to 237.8 thousand tonnes, marking a substantial 22.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 19%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2019, the value of aubergine production in Latin America and the Caribbean increased by 11.7% from the previous year. However, in 2020, output was valued at 263.9 million US dollars, showing a notable decline of 12.1% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with an 18.7% drop. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 20.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports aubergines from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Latin America and the Caribbean's aubergine export volume declined. In 2018, exports increased by 13.6% from the previous year, reaching a peak of 75 281 tonnes in 2019. In 2020, exports amounted to 75 017 tonnes, showing little change year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 24.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the primary buyer of aubergines from Latin America and the Caribbean, accounting for 89.7% of total exports in volume. Other trading partners held relatively modest shares during this period.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Exported aubergine volumes from Latin America and the Caribbean increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, the value reached its lowest point at 62 588 thousand US dollars, representing a 7.9% decline from the previous year. In 2019, exports surged by 18.5%, and in 2020, they amounted to 83 256 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 12.2% year-over-year increase. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 22.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the export market was highly concentrated, with the United States alone responsible for 92.1% of total exports in value terms.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports aubergines to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, t

Aubergine shipments to Latin America and the Caribbean from abroad declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports peaked at 467 tonnes, representing a 62.8% increase from the previous year. In 2020, imports fell to 284 tonnes, marking a steep 25.1% decrease compared to 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (28.6% of imports in volume), the Netherlands (1.3%), and Asia, not elsewhere specified (1.3%) were the leading suppliers of aubergines to Latin America and the Caribbean, jointly accounting for 31.3% of total imports in volume.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Imported aubergine volumes to Latin America and the Caribbean declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports reached their highest value at 861 thousand US dollars, showing a 62.9% increase from the previous year. In 2019, imports fell by 36.1%, and in 2020, they amounted to 495 thousand US dollars, down by 9.9% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 6.3%, equating to an annualized rate of -2.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (55.7% of imports in value), the Netherlands (6.0%), and Asia, not elsewhere specified (1.8%) formed the main group of sources for aubergine imports to Latin America and the Caribbean, with a combined share of 63.5% of total flows in value terms.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020