Lettuce and chicory market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

The ASEAN market for fresh or chilled lettuce and chicory expanded consistently from 2018 to 2023, with volume rising from 85.5 thousand tons to 166.2 thousand tons. The initial growth phase saw a notable acceleration in 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic which altered food consumption patterns and increased demand for fresh produce, while also introducing supply chain disruptions that affected market dynamics.

Growth surged further in 2021 and 2022, with volume increasing by 31% and 17% respectively. This period was marked by global events such as the Ukraine conflict, which led to sharp rises in fertilizer costs and broader supply chain pressures, contributing to higher production expenses and market values that outpaced volume growth.

By 2023, the market reached 166.2 thousand tons with moderated growth. Import data for 2024 shows a significant increase to 165.9 thousand tons, reflecting sustained regional demand, particularly in key markets like the Philippines and Vietnam where consumption trends remained positive.

Production lettuce and chicory in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

World map of production of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

ASEAN's lettuce and chicory production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 91.7 thousand tonnes, marking a modest 7.1% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 20.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of lettuce and chicory production in ASEAN reached 142.4 million US dollars, showing a significant 11.8% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value rose by 23.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 7.4%. The only decline during this period occurred in 2019, when production value fell by 0.3%.

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

Exports lettuce and chicory from ASEAN

Exports in kind, t

Lettuce and chicory exports from ASEAN have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 15 041 tonnes, representing a gradual 4.9% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 2.7%, with an average annual decline of 0.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 13 941 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 9.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Asia, not elsewhere specified, and South Korea consistently accounted for the largest share of ASEAN's lettuce and chicory exports in volume terms, representing 8.4% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, lettuce and chicory exports from ASEAN have rebounded. In 2020, export value reached 23 342 thousand US dollars, up 9.5% from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 21 319 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 7.5% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three main markets—Asia, not elsewhere specified, South Korea, and Hong Kong—collectively absorbed 6.1% of ASEAN's total lettuce and chicory export value.

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

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

Imports lettuce and chicory to ASEAN

Imports in kind, t

ASEAN's lettuce and chicory imports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 24 371 tonnes, representing a substantial 23.6% increase compared to 2019. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 16 957 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 29.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, China, Australia, and the Netherlands played leading roles in ASEAN's lettuce and chicory imports in volume terms. China accounted for 38.9% of imports, Australia for 2.3%, and the Netherlands for 0.7%, collectively representing 41.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, ASEAN's lettuce and chicory import value was recorded at 37 901 thousand US dollars, marking a 15.4% increase from the previous year. The lowest value occurred in 2019 at 32 855 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 38 258 thousand US dollars. The largest decline took place in 2019 with a 14.1% drop.

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

During 2017-2020, China, Australia, and the Netherlands were important suppliers of lettuce and chicory to ASEAN in value terms. China accounted for 24.7% of imports, Australia for 11.1%, and the Netherlands for 5.5%. However, their combined share reached only 41.2% of total import value, with the remaining 58.8% distributed among numerous other trading partners.

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

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