Frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

The market for frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize in MERCOSUR showed considerable variation between 2018 and 2023. Starting at 20 009 t, market volume edged up to 20 202 t in 2019 before entering a downturn. The decline deepened in 2021, with the market contracting to 16 687 t. A sustained recovery then took hold, driving the market to 20 542 t by 2023, its highest point in the period.

This volatility was largely attributable to import flows, which dominate the market's supply. Imports fell sharply in 2021 to 15 316 t, directly causing the overall market contraction. In the following two years, import volumes rebounded strongly, surpassing 20 000 t in 2023 and fueling the market's recovery. Domestic production remained stable near 1 950 t annually, while exports, though growing from a minimal base, had a negligible effect on total market size.

Production frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize, 2017-2020

Following a two-year decline, MERCOSUR's production volume of frozen vegetables (excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize) increased in 2020. That year, the region produced 1 974 tonnes, marking a modest gain of 1.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production decreased by 4.5%, which translates to an annualized decline of 1.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 941 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year drop occurred in 2018 at 4.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in MERCOSUR in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the output value of frozen vegetables (excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize) in MERCOSUR was 3 576 thousand US dollars, representing a decrease of 16.1% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 26.3%, equating to an annualized decline of 9.7%. The most significant drop was observed in 2018 at 18.1%, whereas 2019 saw the largest increase at 7.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in MERCOSUR in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, t

The export market demonstrated notable volatility during the observed period. Exports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2018, with a 16-fold difference between these years. In 2020, MERCOSUR exported 159 tonnes of frozen vegetables (excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize), which was 32.0% higher than in 2019. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 43 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 93.9%. Conversely, the most substantial increase occurred in 2019 at 183.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export structure in volume terms remained fragmented. Canada accounted for 25.8% of exports, the United States for 17.5%, and the Marshall Islands for 4.3%. Together, these three countries represented only 47.6% of total export flows, with no single nation achieving a dominant share.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance exhibited significant fluctuations throughout the period. Exports reached their highest point in 2017 and their lowest in 2018, with a 12.5-fold difference. In 2020, MERCOSUR exported frozen vegetables (excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize) worth 264 thousand US dollars, showing a slight increase of 1.6% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 86 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 92.0%. The most notable rise occurred in 2019 at 203.2%.

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

The export structure in value terms from 2017 to 2020 can be characterized as diversified. Canada held 24.2% of export value, the United States 17.4%, and the Marshall Islands 5.1%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for just 46.8% of total flows, with no single country establishing a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Imports frozen vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes and maize to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, t

After two consecutive years of growth, MERCOSUR's import volume of frozen vegetables (excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize) declined in 2020. The region imported approximately 17 889 tonnes that year, which was 2.7% lower than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 6.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 2.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 18 382 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 7.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Spain, and France were the primary sources for MERCOSUR's imports of frozen vegetables (excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize) in volume terms. Belgium accounted for 41.9% of imports, Spain for 19.2%, and France for 14.9%. Together, these three countries represented 76.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of expansion, MERCOSUR's import value of frozen vegetables (excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize) decreased in 2020. The region imported goods worth 19 081 thousand US dollars that year, down 2.1% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 7.2%, with an annualized increase of 2.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 19 485 thousand US dollars, while the largest rise occurred in 2018 at 9.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, Spain, and France consistently led in the import structure by value for frozen vegetables (excluding potatoes, legumes, and maize) into MERCOSUR. Belgium accounted for 36.2% of import value, Spain for 20.4%, and France for 17.2%. Collectively, these three countries represented 73.8% of total import flows.

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

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