Edible brassicas market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The Belgian market for fresh edible brassicas expanded steadily from 2018 to 2021, with volume rising from 257 thousand tons to 306 thousand tons and market value increasing from 181 million dollars to 225 million dollars.

This growth was interrupted in 2022 when market volume contracted to 256 thousand tons and value dropped to 183 million dollars.

In 2023, market volume stabilized at 255 thousand tons while value jumped to 217 million dollars, driven by broader inflation in fresh vegetable prices and increased production costs in Belgium, including higher raw material and fertilizer expenses.

Production edible brassicas in Belgium

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

World map of production of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

Belgium's edible brassicas production has increased for the second year in a row. In 2019, output grew by 7.7%, reaching its lowest point in 2018 at 244.6 thousand tonnes with a 10.8% decline that year. By 2020, production rose to 277.1 thousand tonnes, marking a 5.2% increase compared to 2019.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of edible brassicas production in Belgium contracted in 2020, totaling 161.5 million US dollars, which represents a 3.1% decrease from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 150.7 million US dollars, following a 10.4% decline that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase of 10.6%. From 2017 to 2020, overall production value fell by 4%, averaging an annual decline of 1.3%.

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

Exports edible brassicas from Belgium

Exports in kind, t

Belgium's edible brassicas exports have grown for the second consecutive year. In 2018, volumes hit their lowest point at 49 645 tonnes, with a 7.5% decline that year. The following year, exports surged by 18.2%, and in 2020, they reached 66 124 tonnes, up 12.6% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 23.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France and the Netherlands were the primary destinations for Belgium's edible brassicas exports in volume terms, while other markets played smaller individual roles.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Belgium's edible brassicas exports in value terms have risen for the second year in a row. In 2018, the value dropped to its minimum of 30 593 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 7.0% decline. A significant rebound occurred in 2019 with a 21.4% increase, and by 2020, exports amounted to 38 531 thousand US dollars, up 3.7% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 17.1%, averaging 5.4% annually.

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

During 2017-2020, France, the Netherlands, and Germany were the main markets for Belgium's edible brassicas exports in value terms. France accounted for 54.4% of exports, the Netherlands for 18.6%, and Germany for 6.9%, together making up 79.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports edible brassicas to Belgium

Imports in kind, t

Belgium's edible brassicas imports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports fell to their lowest level at 61 811 tonnes, with an 8.7% decline that year. By 2020, imports rose to 78 548 tonnes, a 24.9% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import volumes grew by 16%, with an average annual rate of 5.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Spain were the key sources for Belgium's edible brassicas imports in volume terms. The Netherlands supplied 42.5% of imports, France 30.5%, and Spain 21.0%, collectively accounting for 94.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Belgium's edible brassicas imports in value terms have rebounded. In 2018, imports decreased by 6.8%, and the lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 59 641 thousand US dollars. In 2020, imports jumped to 75 501 thousand US dollars, a sharp 26.6% increase year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 14.9%, averaging 4.7% annually.

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

In 2017-2020, the Netherlands, Spain, and France remained the primary suppliers of edible brassicas to Belgium in value terms. The Netherlands contributed 44.5% of imports, Spain 27.2%, and France 20.4%, together forming 92.1% of total import value.

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

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