Carrots and turnips market in Mauritius

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, carrot and turnip production in Mauritius increased from 4 863 t to 5 260 t, with market volume rising from 5 190 t to 5 447 t. This growth took place despite persistent adverse weather and labor shortages affecting yields, as government initiatives to develop the agro-industry and growing consumer demand for fresh produce provided support.

The market contracted sharply in 2020 when production fell to 3 554 t and volume to 3 792 t, primarily due to COVID-19 disrupting supply chains and consumption. Recovery began in 2021 with production reaching 4 187 t, although cyclones and floods continued to challenge local growers. Government-subsidized imports were used to stabilize prices during this period of weather-induced scarcity.

A sustained expansion followed, with production rising to 4 547 t and market volume to 4 892 t in 2022, supported by state financing programs for agriculture. The most dramatic increase occurred in 2023, when production jumped to 7 166 t and the market reached 7 197 t, driven by the national strategic push for food self-sufficiency and reduced import dependency outlined in the government's sectoral plan.

Production carrots and turnips in Mauritius

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of carrots and turnips, 2017-2020

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

Mauritius experienced a decline in carrot and turnip production volume following two years of growth. In 2020, production reached 3 554 tonnes, marking a 32.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 23.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 8.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 5 260 tonnes, with that year also seeing the largest annual increase of 8.2%.

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

Exports carrots and turnips from Mauritius

According to desk-based research findings, Mauritius did not export any carrots and turnips between 2017 and 2020.

Imports carrots and turnips to Mauritius

Imports in kind, t

The market demonstrated significant volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, showing a 6.6-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, cross-border shipments of carrots and turnips to Mauritius totaled 237.9 tonnes, representing a substantial year-over-year increase of 27.2%. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 327.1 tonnes. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 with a 42.8% decrease, while the most significant increase happened in 2018 with a remarkable 564.8% growth.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa consistently served as the primary supplier of carrots and turnips to Mauritius, accounting for 84.8% of total imports by volume. Other trading partners maintained relatively modest market shares during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited considerable volatility in value terms throughout these years. Import values dropped to their minimum in 2017 and climbed to their maximum in 2018, representing a 4.6-fold difference. In 2020, carrot and turnip deliveries to Mauritius were valued at 338.1 thousand US dollars, showing a 6.3% increase compared to the previous year. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 667.7 thousand US dollars. The most substantial annual decline occurred in 2019 with a 52.4% decrease, while the largest increase took place in 2018 with a 360.2% surge.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the country structure of imports in value terms showed high concentration, with South Africa alone accounting for 91.3% of total import flows.

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

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