Frozen preserved vegetables market in South-eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The frozen preserved vegetables market in South-eastern Asia expanded from 443.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 494.9 thousand tons in 2019. This growth was supported by new investments in modern production facilities and the emergence of innovative products like frozen durian, which opened access to large export markets following official protocols to China. In 2019, free trade agreements such as EVFTA and CPTPP provided zero-tariff incentives, boosting export opportunities for regional producers. However, in 2020, the market volume contracted to 438.3 thousand tons. While the Covid-19 pandemic increased consumer demand for frozen products due to long-term storage needs, supply chain disruptions likely constrained import flows into the region.

The market recovered in 2021, reaching 475.2 thousand tons, driven by continued investment in advanced freezing technologies like Individual Quick Freezing (IQF) and the expansion of production capacities by major companies. The following year saw a significant surge to 541.7 thousand tons, aided by the formalization of export protocols for frozen durian and fresh frozen coconut to China, which strengthened trade channels. Additionally, companies across the region enhanced cold chain logistics to maintain product quality during distribution. By 2023, the market stabilized at 541.1 thousand tons, indicating a mature phase after years of rapid growth.

Production frozen preserved vegetables in South-eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of frozen preserved vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen preserved vegetables, 2017-2020

Frozen preserved vegetable production in South-eastern Asia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 77,856 tonnes, marking a 0.7% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 6.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports frozen preserved vegetables from South-eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

South-eastern Asia's frozen preserved vegetable export volume has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 31.3 thousand tonnes, showing a moderate increase of 7.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports expanded by 21%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 6.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, Belgium, and Australia were the leading destinations for frozen preserved vegetable exports from South-eastern Asia. Japan accounted for 68.4% of exports in volume, Belgium for 3.4%, and Australia for 3.1%, collectively representing 74.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

South-eastern Asia exported frozen preserved vegetables worth $78.4 million in 2020, reflecting a sharp increase of 46.3% compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at $53.6 million, while the peak occurred in 2018 at $80.4 million. The most significant decline was observed in 2019, with a drop of 33.4%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Japan dominated frozen preserved vegetable exports in value terms, capturing 71.8% of total flows, with a diverse range of other markets making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports frozen preserved vegetables to South-eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, frozen preserved vegetable imports into South-eastern Asia declined. In 2020, the region imported 391.8 thousand tonnes, which is 12.3% lower than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 7.1%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 2.3%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 446.8 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase also occurring that year at 12.3%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States, the Netherlands, and Belgium were the primary sources for frozen preserved vegetable imports into South-eastern Asia, together accounting for 79.6% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year upward trend, frozen preserved vegetable imports into South-eastern Asia decreased. In 2020, imports amounted to $425.3 million, down by 16.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports rose by 7.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at $507.5 million, and the largest increase also took place in 2019 at 16.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, the Netherlands, and Belgium emerged as the key markets for frozen preserved vegetable imports in value terms. The United States contributed 47.0%, the Netherlands 16.6%, and Belgium 15.6%, collectively representing 79.2% of total import flows.

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

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