Carrots and turnips market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh carrots and turnips in Latin America and the Caribbean expanded steadily from 1.65 million tonnes in 2018 to 1.84 million tonnes in 2020. This growth was supported in part by a contraction in export volumes during 2020, which made more product available for domestic consumption.

A shift occurred in 2021 when the market volume fell to 1.71 million tonnes. This was primarily driven by strong export demand from China for home use, which redirected supply abroad, coupled with persistent regional challenges in storage infrastructure that constrained production. The market rebounded in 2022 to 1.79 million tonnes, fueled by rising consumer preference for healthy and organic carrot varieties, which stimulated local production and demand.

By 2023, the market stabilized at 1.76 million tonnes. Continued growth in exports, particularly from Mexico to North America, balanced against domestic consumption. During this period, major companies introduced modern packaging and branding strategies to appeal to health-conscious consumers, reinforcing market activity.

Production carrots and turnips in Latin America and the Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of carrots and turnips, 2017-2020

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

Carrot and turnip production in Latin America and the Caribbean has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 1 914 thousand tonnes, marking a 4.0% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 4.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 729 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 5.6%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 6.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports carrots and turnips from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Latin America and the Caribbean exported 119.5 thousand tonnes of carrots and turnips, a decrease of 5.1% from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 2.6%, with an average annual decline of 0.9%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 105.1 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest drop of 14.4%. The highest export volume was in 2019 at 126.0 thousand tonnes, corresponding to the largest increase of 19.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the primary buyer of carrots and turnips from Latin America and the Caribbean, accounting for 59.0% of total exports by volume.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After rising for two years, the value of carrot and turnip exports from Latin America and the Caribbean declined. In 2020, exports totaled 77 460 thousand US dollars, a modest decrease of 8.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 25.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 84 492 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 23.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States and France remained the top buyers of carrots and turnips from Latin America and the Caribbean in value terms, together representing 78.9% of total exports.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports carrots and turnips to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, K t

The import market showed volatility during the observed period. In 2020, Latin America and the Caribbean imported approximately 48.9 thousand tonnes of carrots and turnips, a sharp increase of 128.8% year-over-year. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 21.4 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 24.3%. Overall, imports varied significantly, with a 2.3-fold difference between the peak in 2020 and the low in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the key partner for carrot and turnip imports by volume to Latin America and the Caribbean, holding an 11.9% share of total imports.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of carrot and turnip imports into Latin America and the Caribbean increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 37 552 thousand US dollars, up 40.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 56.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States (37.5% of import value), Canada (1.2%), and the Netherlands (0.5%) formed the core of imports in value terms, together accounting for 39.2% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020