Cucumbers and gherkins market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the market volume for fresh or chilled cucumbers and gherkins in Southern Asia increased from 1 888 thousand tonnes to 2 306 thousand tonnes, while production rose from 2 144 thousand tonnes to 2 530 thousand tonnes. This growth was driven by the expansion of contract farming, which engaged over 90 000 small farmers and ensured quality control meeting international standards, alongside rising export demand from North America and Europe.

In 2020, market volume further grew to 2 380 thousand tonnes, supported by a two-crop-per-year cycle that provided steady supply. Indian processors capitalized on pandemic-related disruptions in Europe and the U.S. to maintain export flows. The following year, market volume dipped to 2 305 thousand tonnes as exports increased to 180 thousand tonnes, drawing more produce abroad.

Between 2022 and 2023, the market stabilized around 2 330 thousand tonnes, with production hovering near 2 500 thousand tonnes. India solidified its position as the world's largest exporter of gherkins, accounting for nearly 15% of global trade. A new trade deal with the European Union promised wider market access, underpinning the industry's resilience.

Production cucumbers and gherkins in Southern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cucumbers and gherkins, 2017-2020

World map of production of cucumbers and gherkins, 2017-2020

Southern Asia's production of cucumbers and gherkins declined after two years of growth. In 2020, output remained largely stable at 2,526 thousand tonnes, showing no significant change from the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 19.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 2,530 thousand tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 18.0% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of expansion, Southern Asia's production value for cucumbers and gherkins fell. In 2020, the output was valued at 870.6 million US dollars, marking a substantial decline of 11.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value grew by 6.9%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 982.3 million US dollars, while the largest increase of 14.7% was recorded in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports cucumbers and gherkins from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Southern Asia's exports of cucumbers and gherkins declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports stood at 162.4 thousand tonnes, representing a sharp drop of 33.3% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 30.2%, with an average annual decline rate of 11.3%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 268.8 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 15.5% that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Iraq, Russia, and Qatar were the top destinations for Southern Asia's cucumber and gherkin exports by volume. Iraq accounted for 58.8% of exports, Russia for 12.4%, and Qatar for 4.0%. Together, these three markets made up 75.2% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Cucumber and gherkin exports from Southern Asia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 56.0 million US dollars, a decrease of 40.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 37.5%, equating to an average annual decline of 14.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 117.1 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 30.7% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq, Russia, and Qatar were the key markets for Southern Asia's cucumber and gherkin exports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 82.4% of total export flows during this period.

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

World map of product's exports from Southern Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports cucumbers and gherkins to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes for cucumbers and gherkins in Southern Asia showed significant volatility in recent years. In 2019, imports peaked at 19.4 thousand tonnes, while the lowest point was in 2017, resulting in a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 15.7 thousand tonnes, indicating a notable decrease of 19.2% from the previous year. The largest increase of 74.4% was recorded in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Import values for cucumbers and gherkins in Southern Asia displayed irregular patterns, reflecting a volatile market. The highest value was observed in 2019 at 20.3 million US dollars, while the lowest was in 2017, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.7 times. In 2020, imports amounted to 18.4 million US dollars, showing a modest drop of 9.2% compared to 2019. The largest increase of 77.3% occurred in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, the United Arab Emirates was the leading supplier of cucumbers and gherkins to Southern Asia in value terms, accounting for 2.6% of total imports.

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

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