Cabbages market in Eastern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Cabbage production in Eastern Africa grew from 2 642 thousand tons in 2018 to 3 760 thousand tons in 2022. This expansion was supported by improved agricultural practices, including better crop variety selection and organic manure use, which enhanced yields and market access. A significant surge occurred in 2022 when many farmers shifted from tomato cultivation to cabbage farming, substantially increasing supply and market volume.

Production then fell to 3 262 thousand tons in 2023 as farmers faced challenges from pests and diseases, which affected crop health and reduced overall output. Despite stable consumer demand from homes, schools, and hotels, these agricultural difficulties led to a decline in the market size.

In 2024, unpredictable weather patterns, including heavy rainfall and waterlogging, destroyed crops and caused a severe cabbage shortage. Logistical issues such as transportation delays further strained supply, while growing consumer preference for healthy, plant-based diets increased demand, exacerbating market tightness.

Production cabbages in Eastern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cabbages, 2017-2020

World map of production of cabbages, 2017-2020

Cabbage production in Eastern Africa has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 3 095 K t of cabbages, representing a moderate gain of 5.9% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 23.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 7.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of cabbages in Eastern Africa was valued at 1 922 M $ US, marking a 15.1% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value declined by 31.1%, with an annualized rate of 11.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 25.0%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 8.3%.

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

Exports cabbages from Eastern Africa

Exports in kind, t

Foreign cabbage supplies from Eastern Africa have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 1 513 t, showing a significant rise of 97.0% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 176.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 40.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Kingdom remained the top markets for cabbage exports in kind from Eastern Africa, together accounting for 5.9% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, cabbage deliveries from Eastern Africa have increased. In 2020, exports totaled 940 K $ US, reflecting a sharp rise of 57.9% compared to the prior year. Over the period 2017-2020, exports increased by 53.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.5%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 595 K $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 1.9%.

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

During 2017–2020, the United Kingdom (11.3% of exports in value terms), Norway (2.3% of exports in value terms), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1.4% of exports in value terms) were significant buyers of cabbages from Eastern Africa. However, their combined share reached only 14.9% of total exports in value terms, with the remaining 85.1% distributed among many other partners.

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

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

Imports cabbages to Eastern Africa

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, the volume of cabbage imports into Eastern Africa amounted to 1 280 t, indicating a modest gain of 6.9% over the past year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 11.2%, with a CAGR of 3.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 197 t, while the maximum value occurred in 2018 at 1 529 t. The largest decline was in 2019 at 21.7%.

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

In 2017–2020, China (13.9% of imports in kind), Egypt (5.5% of imports in kind), and South Africa (5.5% of imports in kind) formed the largest group of cabbage suppliers to Eastern Africa. Their combined contribution was limited to 25.0% of total imports in kind, reflecting a diversified country structure.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Eastern Africa's cabbage import volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 1 207 K $ US of cabbages, representing a strong drop of 16.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 12.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 510 K $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 9.5%.

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

Over 2017–2020, China (23.9% of imports in value terms), Egypt (18.8% of imports in value terms), and South Africa (16.6% of imports in value terms) remained the leading destinations in the country structure of imports in value terms, with a combined share of 59.3% of total flows.

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

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