Carrots and turnips market in Western Africa, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market for fresh carrots and turnips in Western Africa expanded steadily, rising from 343 thousand tons to 416 thousand tons. This growth was supported by both domestic production, which increased by 49 thousand tons, and imports, which more than doubled. In 2019, import prices for carrots and turnips rose by 16.1% compared to 2017 levels, reflecting tighter regional supply conditions in markets like the Middle East that influence trade flows into West Africa; despite higher costs, import volumes continued to climb as strong local demand absorbed the increased supply.

After peaking in 2021, the total market volume dipped slightly to 414 thousand tons in 2022, primarily due to a minor contraction in domestic output. By 2023, the market recovered to 421 thousand tons, as a rise in imports to 62 thousand tons offset a further small decline in production, indicating sustained consumption needs.

Preliminary data for 2024 shows imports surging to 80 thousand tons, pointing to a continued reliance on foreign supply to meet demand in the region.

Production carrots and turnips in Western 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

Western Africa's production of carrots and turnips has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 346.9 thousand tons, marking a steady increase of 6.3% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 12%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.8%.

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

Exports carrots and turnips from Western Africa

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest point was in 2017, while exports peaked in 2019, with a 28-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Western Africa shipped 28 tons of carrots and turnips abroad, a decrease of 32.4% from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 41 tons, and the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, with a jump of 1 681.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom and France were the top two markets for Western Africa's carrot and turnip exports in volume terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 13.4% of total exports, while France made up 1.3%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Western Africa's carrot and turnip exports has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 68 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp increase of 147.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 456.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 77.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom, Kenya, and France formed the core group of markets for Western Africa's carrot and turnip exports in value terms. The United Kingdom led with 50.8% of total export value, followed by Kenya at 6.5%, and France at 2.3%. Together, these three countries accounted for 59.7% of all export flows.

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

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

Imports carrots and turnips to Western Africa

Imports in kind, t

Imports of carrots and turnips into Western Africa have increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 48 560 tons, up 38.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import volume grew by 28.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 29 385 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 22.3% compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France were the main suppliers of carrots and turnips to Western Africa in volume terms. The Netherlands contributed 37.7% of total imports, Belgium 23.7%, and France 9.9%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 71.2% of all imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of carrot and turnip imports into Western Africa has grown for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 22 182 thousand US dollars, representing a steep increase of 38.8% over 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import value rose by 61.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 12 661 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 7.9% compared to the previous year.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France accounted for the largest share of carrot and turnip imports into Western Africa in value terms. The Netherlands held 35.5% of total import value, Belgium 25.3%, and France 11.7%. Together, these three countries comprised 72.5% of all import flows.

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

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