Aubergines market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

The South American aubergine market maintained steady volumes around 68 000 t in 2018 and 2019. A significant expansion occurred in 2020, with market volume jumping by 15% to 78 499 t. This surge was primarily driven by the adoption of improved hybrid varieties in Brazil, which offered higher yields and disease resistance, boosting domestic production. Concurrently, structural demand for aubergines grew in key international markets like the Netherlands, where their inclusion in ingredient kits resonated with health-conscious and younger consumers.

Following the 2020 peak, the market stabilized at a high level of 78 604 t in 2021. Brazilian producers continued to innovate, introducing mini-aubergine hybrids in diverse colors and flavors that gained traction in the gastronomic market. After a slight correction to 77 064 t in 2022, the market volume recovered to 79 584 t in 2023. This recovery was supported by sustained global demand, evidenced by the doubling of aubergine sales in ingredient kits in the Netherlands that year.

Production aubergines in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of aubergines, 2017-2020

World map of production of aubergines, 2017-2020

Aubergine production in South America has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, South America produced 78 666 tonnes of aubergines, marking a significant year-over-year increase of 15.1%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 21.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.7%.

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

Exports aubergines from South America

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, cross-border shipments of aubergines from South America declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 177.0 tonnes, representing a notable decrease of 19.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 95.2%, which equates to an annualized growth rate of 25.0%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 220.7 tonnes, with the largest year-over-year increase of 59.7% also occurring in that year.

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

The export market for aubergines from South America was diverse from 2017 to 2020. Canada accounted for 27.9% of exports, the Marshall Islands for 6.5%, and Barbados for 6.3%, together making up just 40.6% of total flows. The remaining 59.4% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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, K $ US

The market for aubergine exports from South America experienced noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a sevenfold increase between these years. In 2020, foreign aubergine supplies from South America amounted to 184.4 thousand US dollars, down by 18.2% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 225.4 thousand US dollars, with the largest year-over-year increase of 198.1% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the value of aubergine exports from South America was relatively evenly distributed. Canada accounted for 15.0% of exports by value, the Marshall Islands for 8.8%, and Barbados for 8.2%, together representing only 32.0% 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 aubergines to South America

Imports in kind, t

The import market for aubergines in South America showed volatility over the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 4.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, aubergine shipments to South America from abroad reached 9.6 tonnes, indicating a sharp decline of 79.6% compared to the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 47.2 tonnes, with the largest year-over-year increase of 232.1% also occurring in that year.

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

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, K $ US

The import market for aubergines in South America exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports were at their lowest in 2020 and reached their highest in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 4.5 times. In 2020, South America's aubergine imports amounted to 12.7 thousand US dollars, representing a 78.0% drop compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 57.5 thousand US dollars, with the largest year-over-year increase of 238.8% also occurring in that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States remained the main supplier of aubergines to South America, accounting for 7.4% of total imports by value.

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

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