Cabbages market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the cabbage market in South America expanded from 269.6 thousand tons to 274.3 thousand tons, peaking in 2019. The initial growth was linked to a global increase in brassica cultivation area, fueled by demand from the processing industry for fermentation and pickling. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic created uncertainty in the region, leading to reduced planting in countries like Panama and labor mobility issues in Mexico, which contributed to market volume stabilization.

Post-2020, the market resumed growth, reaching 296.8 thousand tons in 2022. This rise was driven by increased global production and demand, alongside the growing popularity of minimally processed and organic products in Brazil, where consumer preferences shifted toward healthy eating. Additionally, the launch of hybrid cabbage varieties in Brazil improved quality and climate adaptability, while cost analyses showed positive profitability, encouraging local production.

By 2023, the market volume stabilized slightly at 294.7 thousand tons, amid a continued global trend of rising demand for cabbage due to its digestive and cardiovascular health benefits. In Mexico, cabbage prices increased by 8%, reflecting sustained consumer interest. Overall, from 2018 to 2023, the South American cabbage market grew by over 9%, supported by global trends, agricultural innovations, and evolving consumption habits.

Production cabbages in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cabbages, 2017-2020

World map of production of cabbages, 2017-2020

In South America, cabbage production reached 273.5 thousand tons in 2020, showing a slight year-over-year decrease of 1.0%. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 15.5%, which translates to an average annual reduction of 5.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 269.1 thousand tons. That same year saw the largest decline of 16.8%, while 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 2.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of cabbage output in South America was $248.5 million in 2020, down 2.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 21.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.8%. The most significant drop occurred in 2018 at 20.9%, while 2019 saw the largest increase of 1.4%.

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

Exports cabbages from South America

Exports in kind, t

The export market for cabbages in South America showed considerable volatility during the observed period. Volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 162 tons and peaked in 2019 at 712 tons, representing a 4.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, export volume stood at 586 tons, marking a 17.7% decrease from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 28.1%, while 2019 saw the most substantial increase of 340.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, South American cabbage exports were distributed across numerous markets. Even the top three destinations—Cuba, the United States, and Hong Kong—collectively accounted for just 9.7% of total export volume.

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 export market in value terms displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. Values hit their lowest point in 2018 at $151 thousand and reached their peak in 2019 at $655 thousand, with a 4.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, cabbage exports from South America totaled $533 thousand, representing a significant year-over-year decrease of 18.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 31.6%, while 2019 saw the biggest increase of 334.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the destination countries for South American cabbage exports in value terms were highly dispersed. The top three markets—the United States (19.1%), Cuba (7.8%), and Hong Kong (5.8%)—together accounted for only 32.8% of total export value, with the remaining 67.2% spread across a wide range of other destinations.

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 cabbages to South America

Imports in kind, t

South America's cabbage imports continued to grow for the second consecutive year, reaching 1 466 tons in 2020—a 65.8% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 55.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.8%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 633 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 32.9%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, the United States maintained the largest share of South America's cabbage imports by volume, accounting for 5.1% of total flows.

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 in value terms experienced noticeable fluctuations during this period. Values reached their lowest point in 2018 at $511 thousand and peaked in 2020 at $1 253 thousand, representing a 2.5-fold difference. In 2020, cabbage imports into South America totaled $1 253 thousand, showing a substantial 72.5% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 28.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States dominated South America's cabbage imports in value terms, accounting for 30.7% of total imports. Together with Costa Rica (1.2%) and China (1.0%), these three markets formed the core group, representing 33.0% of total import 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