Carrots and turnips market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, South American production of fresh or chilled carrots and turnips increased from 1 178 thousand tons to 1 322 thousand tons. This growth was supported by investments in hybrid varieties and technified growing areas, which raised yields per hectare despite challenges from climate variability such as excessive rains and prolonged droughts.

After a drop to 1 273 thousand tons in 2021, output recovered to 1 341 thousand tons in 2022, partly driven by shifting consumer preferences toward organic and sustainably produced carrots. The market then stabilized around 1 322 thousand tons in 2023, as the price gap between conventional and organic carrots narrowed, stimulating consumption further.

Throughout the period, international regulatory pressures for CO2 emission reductions and the continued adoption of protective technologies against climate impacts influenced agricultural practices, prompting producers to focus on quality and diversification to meet domestic and export demands.

Production carrots and turnips in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of carrots and turnips, 2017-2020

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

South America's production of carrots and turnips grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 1 322 thousand tonnes, marking a moderate year-over-year increase of 4.6%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 3.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 178 thousand tonnes, when output fell by 7.7%. This was followed by the largest increase in 2019, when production jumped by 7.3%.

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

Exports carrots and turnips from South America

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout this period. Export volumes fluctuated significantly, with a 49-fold difference between the low in 2018 and the high in 2020. In 2020, South America exported 7 882 tonnes of carrots and turnips, representing a sharp increase of 1,492.1% compared to the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at just 160 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 93.0%.

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

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 data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. There was a 17-fold variation between the minimum in 2018 and the maximum in 2020. In 2020, the value of carrots and turnips exports from South America totaled 4 873 thousand US dollars, reflecting a substantial year-over-year advance of 758.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 294 thousand US dollars, when exports dropped by 76.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure in value terms was diversified, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position. Marshall Islands accounted for 1.5% of exports by value, the United Kingdom for 1.4%, and Panama for 1.2%. Together, these three countries made up just 4.1% of total export flows.

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 carrots and turnips to South America

Imports in kind, t

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Import volumes varied by 3.4 times between the minimum in 2018 and the maximum in 2020. In 2020, South America imported 11 058 tonnes of carrots and turnips, up by 224.8% compared to the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 239 tonnes, which experienced the largest decline of 36.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Costa Rica, the United States, and Mexico remained the main suppliers of carrots and turnips to South America in volume terms. Costa Rica contributed 16.4% of imports, the United States 7.8%, and Mexico 0.6%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 24.9% of total imports by volume.

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 market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. The value of imports varied by 2 times between the low in 2018 and the high in 2020. In 2020, South America imported carrots and turnips worth 3 997 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a steep advance of 89.0% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 3 997 thousand US dollars, when imports declined by 19.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Costa Rica, and Mexico were the primary suppliers of carrots and turnips to South America in value terms. The United States accounted for 38.2% of imports by value, Costa Rica for 24.9%, and Mexico for 0.9%. Together, these three countries comprised 63.9% of total imports in value terms.

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

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