Carrots and turnips market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh carrots and turnips market in Sub-Saharan Africa expanded significantly in 2018, reaching 1 095 thousand tonnes, driven by rapid yield improvements and an increase in harvested area. Growth continued into 2019, with market volume climbing to 1 264 thousand tonnes. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused global supply chain disruptions, reducing production and pulling the market down to 1 046 thousand tonnes.

Market volume held steady at 1 046 thousand tonnes in 2021 as supply chain challenges persisted, though demand was underpinned by a growing preference for healthy foods among younger consumers. By 2022, heightened health and nutrition awareness, along with strategic investments and collaboration among local firms, helped lift the market to 1 074 thousand tonnes. In 2023, the market stabilized around 1 072 thousand tonnes, with South Africa increasing its carrot exports to other African countries and Indian Ocean islands, reflecting shifting trade patterns.

Production carrots and turnips in Sub-Saharan Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of carrots and turnips, 2017-2020

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

After two years of growth, Sub-Saharan Africa's production of carrots and turnips declined. In 2019, the region produced 1 234 thousand tons, reaching its highest level. However, by 2020, production had fallen to 996 thousand tons, marking a 19.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 2.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.0%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 16.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports carrots and turnips from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, t

The export market for carrots and turnips from Sub-Saharan Africa showed considerable volatility during these years. In 2017, exports hit their lowest point, before surging to a peak of 18 043 tons in 2019—an 18-fold increase from the 2017 low. By 2020, exports had declined moderately to 16 482 tons, representing an 8.6% drop compared to the previous year. The most dramatic growth was recorded in 2018, with a staggering increase of 469.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

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

World map of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Carrots and turnips exports from Sub-Saharan Africa have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the value of these exports reached 16 580 thousand US dollars, showing a slight increase of 1.5% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export value rose by 42.8%, averaging an annual growth rate of 12.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and France were the key markets for Sub-Saharan Africa's carrot and turnip exports in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 7.5% of total export value, the United Kingdom for 7.2%, and France for 2.2%. Together, these three countries represented 16.9% of all export flows during this period.

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

World map of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports carrots and turnips to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, t

Sub-Saharan Africa's imports of carrots and turnips have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 67 087 tons, which is a 39.2% rise compared to 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 24.9%, with an average annual increase of 7.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 44 299 tons, following a decline of 17.5% that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, imports of carrots and turnips to Sub-Saharan Africa were not heavily concentrated among a few suppliers. The Netherlands was the largest source, accounting for 20.0% of imports in volume, followed by Belgium at 12.7% and France at 5.4%. Combined, these three countries made up 38.1% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of carrots and turnips into Sub-Saharan Africa have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, the value of these imports stood at 33 787 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 35.9% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import value climbed by 45.0%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 22 346 thousand US dollars, after a decline of 4.1% that year.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Sub-Saharan Africa's imports of carrots and turnips in value terms came from a diverse range of partners. The Netherlands led with 22.0% of the total import value, Belgium contributed 16.1%, and France accounted for 7.7%. Together, these three countries represented 45.8% of all import flows, indicating a relatively broad supplier base.

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

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020