Carrots and turnips market in Colombia

Earlier Report Observations

The Colombian fresh carrot and turnip market volume grew strongly from 222.6 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 301.1 thousand tonnes in 2020. This expansion was initially fueled by a record national planting area estimated at 312,077 hectares in 2019, which directly increased production capacity. The market continued to rise in 2020 despite COVID-19 quarantine measures disrupting transport and supply chains, as climatic conditions remained favorable for cultivation in key high-altitude regions and underlying demand persisted.

Following the peak, market volume contracted to 276.0 thousand tonnes in 2021, primarily due to the prolonged impact of pandemic-related logistics and transport constraints on the commercialization of produce. A recovery to 291.4 thousand tonnes occurred in 2022, driven by increased household spending on food—with carrots being a high-demand item—and supportive government policies and agricultural development projects, including those initiated with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The volume then moderated to 273.4 thousand tonnes in 2023, with climatic factors and logistical frameworks continuing to influence production levels.

Throughout the period, the market's structure was characterized by concentrated production in regions like Boyacá and Cundinamarca, and a growing consumer preference for fresh, healthy produce supported demand. Strategic projects aimed at introducing new varieties and clean production protocols contributed to efforts for market diversification and sustainability.

Production carrots and turnips in Colombia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Colombia was among the world's leading producers of carrots and turnips from 2017 to 2020, ranking 29th globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of carrots and turnips, 2017-2020

World map of production of carrots and turnips, 2017-2020

Carrot and turnip production in Colombia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 301.0 thousand tonnes, which is 17.1% higher than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 5.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest production was recorded in 2018 at 222.5 thousand tonnes, marking the largest decline of 22.4% that year.

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

Exports carrots and turnips from Colombia

Exports in kind, t

Colombia's carrot and turnip export volumes declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 16.3 tonnes, representing a modest year-on-year decrease of 4.7%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 3.7%, with an average annual decline of 1.3%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 18.7 tonnes, which saw the largest increase of 10.7%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with an 8.8% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Curaçao was the dominant destination for Colombia's carrot and turnip exports in volume terms, accounting for 84.7% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Carrot and turnip exports from Colombia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value stood at 9.2 thousand US dollars, down 23.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 59.6%, equating to an average annual decline of 26.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Curaçao and Aruba remained the key destinations for Colombia's carrot and turnip exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 87.7% of total flows. Other trading partners were individually much less significant.

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

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

Imports carrots and turnips to Colombia

Imports in kind, t

Carrot and turnip imports to Colombia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 95.6 tonnes, corresponding to a modest 6.1% drop compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 21.1%, with an average annual decline of 7.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Colombia's dependence on the United States was pronounced in volume terms, with this market accounting for 99.1% of total carrot and turnip imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Carrot and turnip shipments to Colombia from abroad declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 218.9 thousand US dollars, marking an 11.3% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 25.2%, equating to an average annual decline of 9.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Colombia's dependence on the United States was pronounced in value terms, with this market accounting for 99.4% of total carrot and turnip imports.

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

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