Cabbages market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The Belgian cabbage market grew consistently from 2018 to 2021, with volume increasing from 116 thousand tons to a peak of 147 thousand tons. This expansion was supported by rising domestic production, which climbed from 122.3 thousand tons to 157.3 thousand tons over the same period. The market reversed sharply in 2022, contracting to 108.6 thousand tons, and fell further to 93.3 thousand tons in 2023, as production volumes also declined significantly.

By 2024, the market environment was influenced by broader regional and consumer trends. Unfavorable climatic conditions in neighboring France reduced cauliflower production, potentially affecting regional supply dynamics for related brassica vegetables. Concurrently, inflationary pressures contributed to a trend of reduced fresh fruit and vegetable consumption in the region, impacting overall demand.

Production cabbages in Belgium

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cabbages, 2017-2020

World map of production of cabbages, 2017-2020

Belgium's cabbage production volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 145.2 thousand tonnes of cabbages, marking a moderate 6.9% increase from the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 122.3 thousand tonnes, which represented the largest decline of 15.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with an 11.1% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Belgium's cabbage output was valued at 79 264 thousand US dollars, reflecting a moderate 5.4% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 70 606 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 16.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with an 18.6% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports cabbages from Belgium

Exports in kind, t

Belgium's cabbage export volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 52 917 tonnes of cabbages, representing an 11.8% year-on-year increase. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 38.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 11.4%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 37 299 tonnes, which saw a 2.5% decline. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 26.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France and the Netherlands were the dominant buyers of Belgian cabbages, together accounting for 84.3% of total exports in volume. Other trading partners represented a smaller share of the export market.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Belgium exported 28 887 thousand US dollars worth of cabbages, representing a 1.0% decline compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 30.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 9.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 21 542 thousand US dollars, which saw a 3.0% decline. The highest value occurred in 2019 at 29 193 thousand US dollars, marking the largest increase of 35.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France (58.1% of export value), the Netherlands (19.9%), and Germany (6.1%) together accounted for 84.1% of Belgium's total cabbage exports in value terms, remaining the main destinations for these products.

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

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

Imports cabbages to Belgium

Imports in kind, t

Belgium's cabbage import volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 47 932 tonnes of cabbages, up by 31.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 58%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (43.0% of import volume), France (32.3%), and Spain (20.4%) formed the main group of sources for cabbage imports to Belgium, together accounting for 95.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Belgium's cabbage import value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 38 179 thousand US dollars, up by 21.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 24.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 7.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 28 560 thousand US dollars, which saw a 7.0% decline.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands and Spain were the primary sources for Belgium's cabbage imports in value terms, together accounting for 81.4% of total flows, with other markets representing a smaller share.

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

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