Cabbages market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, cabbage production in ASEAN increased from 2.8 million tonnes to 3.1 million tonnes, while market volume expanded from 3.0 million tonnes to 3.5 million tonnes. This growth was primarily driven by the expansion of cultivated area for brassicas, which rose from 3.7 million hectares in 2018 to 3.8 million hectares by 2021. Simultaneously, rising demand from the food processing industry, especially for fermented products like kimchi and pickles, stimulated higher output.

During 2020-2021, the market adapted to new consumer trends, such as the growing preference among younger generations for healthy and sustainable products, which boosted demand for organic and natural cabbage. Innovations in brassica varieties to enhance flavor and nutritional value further supported production. Regulatory changes promoting traceability and food safety through updated labeling requirements also influenced market practices during this period.

The processing segment continued to grow in 2022, with increased output of ready-to-eat and fermented cabbage products. However, volatility in agricultural input costs and fluctuations in international prices affected producer profitability, contributing to a decline in market value that year despite volume growth. In 2023, production fell to 3.0 million tonnes and market volume contracted to 3.4 million tonnes, coinciding with changes in market access policies across ASEAN countries that affected trade flows.

Production cabbages in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cabbages, 2017-2020

World map of production of cabbages, 2017-2020

In 2018, ASEAN's cabbage production hit its lowest point at 2 762 thousand tonnes, marking a 4.5% decline. The following year, 2019, saw production rebound to its peak of 2 935 thousand tonnes, representing a 6.3% increase. By 2020, production had slightly decreased to 2 916 thousand tonnes, which was 0.6% lower than in 2019.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

ASEAN's cabbage production value continued to grow for the second consecutive year. In 2018, it reached its minimum at 1 702 million US dollars, with a slight decline of 0.1%. By 2020, the value had risen to 2 062 million US dollars, showing a solid 17.6% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 20.9%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 6.5%.

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

Exports cabbages from ASEAN

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, ASEAN's cabbage exports in volume declined in 2020. In 2019, exports peaked at 78.3 thousand tonnes, reflecting a substantial 23.9% increase. However, by 2020, exports had dropped to 61.9 thousand tonnes, indicating a solid 21.0% decrease compared to 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Asia (not elsewhere specified) and Japan consistently served as the primary markets for ASEAN's cabbage exports in volume, together accounting for 38.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of expansion, ASEAN's cabbage export value contracted in 2020. In 2019, it reached its highest point at 46.8 million US dollars, with a notable 20.1% increase. By 2020, the value had decreased to 43.8 million US dollars, showing a moderate 6.5% decline compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 19.5%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 6.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner structure for ASEAN's cabbage exports in value terms remained fragmented. Asia (not elsewhere specified) accounted for 31.8% of export value, India for 1.7%, and the United Arab Emirates for 1.6%, with these three partners together making up only 35.0% of total flows. No single country achieved a dominant share during this period.

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

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

Imports cabbages to ASEAN

Imports in kind, K t

ASEAN's cabbage imports in volume showed significant growth in 2020. In 2019, imports were at their lowest at 250.0 thousand tonnes, reflecting a 26.1% decline. By 2020, imports had surged to 376.7 thousand tonnes, marking a sharp 50.7% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import volume grew by 16.4%, equating to an average annual rate of 5.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China and the United Kingdom clearly dominated ASEAN's cabbage imports in volume, with their combined share reaching 80.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

ASEAN's cabbage import value experienced a sharp rise in 2020. In 2019, it was at its minimum at 121.8 million US dollars, showing a 25.4% decline. By 2020, the value had jumped to 183.8 million US dollars, indicating an abrupt 50.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 22.2%, translating to an average annual rate of 6.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the country structure for ASEAN's cabbage imports in value terms was heavily concentrated on China, which accounted for 79.7% of total import flows, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

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