Cabbages market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

The market size for cabbages in MERCOSUR fluctuated between 2018 and 2023. It began at 4 144 tons in 2018, fell to 3 967 tons in 2019, then rose sharply to 4 606 tons in 2020. After a drop to 4 359 tons in 2021, it recovered slightly to 4 462 tons in 2022 before declining again to 4 312 tons in 2023.

Economic conditions within the bloc influenced these movements. In 2018, economic deterioration in Argentina, combined with slower dynamism in Paraguay and Uruguay, affected MERCOSUR's integration and likely constrained consumer demand, contributing to the market's contraction the following year. Later, the retreat of the international economy and heightened global competition in 2023 pressured the bloc, leading to another reduction in market volume that year.

The trade environment shifted in 2024 with the formal entry of Bolivia into MERCOSUR and the implementation of the MERCOSUR-EU agreement, which reduces tariffs and facilitates cross-border trade. These developments corresponded with a notable increase in cabbage imports to 1 385 tons and exports to 609 tons, indicating changes in trade flows for the product.

Production cabbages in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cabbages, 2017-2020

World map of production of cabbages, 2017-2020

Cabbage production in MERCOSUR has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 3,851 tonnes of cabbages, representing a slight uptick of 0.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 5.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in MERCOSUR in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of growth, the value of cabbage production in MERCOSUR declined. In 2020, cabbage output was valued at 3,110 thousand US dollars, indicating a gradual year-on-year decrease of 5.8%. However, between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 42.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 12.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 3,301 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase occurring in 2018 at 31.0%.

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

Exports cabbages from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. From 2017 to 2019, exports saw a peak-to-trough amplitude of 26 times. In 2020, cabbage exports from MERCOSUR totaled 526 tonnes, down by 6.4% compared to 2019. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 562 tonnes, with the largest annual increase also occurring in 2019 at 638.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, there was no single dominant market for cabbage exports from MERCOSUR. Hong Kong accounted for 2.5% of exports in kind, Panama for 2.4%, and the Marshall Islands for 2.3%. Together, these three markets represented only 7.3% of total exports, with many smaller partners each holding modest individual shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market during these years. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 37 times. In 2020, foreign cabbage supplies from MERCOSUR stood at 424.9 thousand US dollars, which is 12.6% less compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 486.2 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase also in 2019 at 738.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, cabbage exports from MERCOSUR in value terms were spread across many countries. Hong Kong accounted for 9.3% of exports in value, the Marshall Islands for 8.7%, and Panama for 8.4%. Collectively, these three markets represented only 26.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports cabbages to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, t

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Imports bottomed in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, foreign cabbage supplies to MERCOSUR totaled 1,280 tonnes, marking a 79.7% improvement compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 464 tonnes, with the largest annual decline also in 2018 at 21.7%.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. Import levels fluctuated 2.6 times between the low of 2018 and the high of 2020. In 2020, cabbage import volumes in MERCOSUR tallied 886.2 thousand US dollars, which is 74.3% greater compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 340.4 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual decline also in 2018 at 12.8%.

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

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