Lettuce and chicory market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh lettuce and chicory in Eastern Asia remained highly stable in physical terms from 2018 to 2023, fluctuating within a narrow range of 15 125 to 15 371 thousand tonnes. After a minor dip to 15 186 thousand tonnes in 2021, volumes stabilized around 15 200 thousand tonnes through 2023, indicating consistent overall consumption.

In value terms, the market showed more volatility, peaking at $21 717 million in 2020 before declining to $18 944 million by 2023. The 13% drop in market value in 2023 occurred even as physical volume held steady, suggesting shifts in pricing or product mix within the category.

By 2024, several market dynamics were observed. Consumer focus on freshness intensified, with producers and retailers emphasizing supply chain speed and direct sourcing. The fresh salad and cut vegetable segment grew, supported by new retail models. Pre-made dish regulations accelerated market standardization, while diverse consumer preferences drove innovation in packaging and regional varieties. These factors collectively shaped the evolving landscape for lettuce and chicory.

Production lettuce and chicory in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

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

Eastern Asia's lettuce and chicory production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 15 486 thousand tonnes, marking a slight increase of 1.0% from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of lettuce and chicory production in Eastern Asia reached 21 867 million US dollars, showing a modest rise of 8.3% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 7.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 20 187 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 1.8% during this period.

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

Exports lettuce and chicory from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Lettuce and chicory exports from Eastern Asia have expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 150.6 thousand tonnes, up by 34.2% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 116.4%, averaging an annual growth rate of 29.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure for lettuce and chicory in Eastern Asia was highly diversified. Vietnam accounted for 7.9% of exports, Thailand for 7.4%, and Russia for 3.6%, together making up just 18.9% of total flows. The remaining 81.1% was distributed among a wide range of smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of lettuce and chicory exports from Eastern Asia has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value reached 212.7 million US dollars, reflecting a significant increase of 44.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 126.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 31.4%.

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

The export market for lettuce and chicory in value terms was broad from 2017 to 2020. Vietnam contributed 4.8% of export value, Thailand 4.5%, and Malaysia 2.4%, together accounting for only 11.7% of total flows. The remaining 88.3% was shared among numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports lettuce and chicory to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Lettuce and chicory imports into Eastern Asia have decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 35.8 thousand tonnes, down by 1.7% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 31.1%, with an average annual decline of 11.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the import structure for lettuce and chicory in Eastern Asia was highly diversified. The United States accounted for 12.4% of imports, Asia (not elsewhere specified) for 11.7%, and Mexico for 1.2%, together representing only 25.4% of total flows. The remaining 74.6% came from a variety of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of lettuce and chicory imports into Eastern Asia has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, import value stood at 62.3 million US dollars, which is 5.4% lower than in the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports dropped by 33.4%, with a compound annual decline of 12.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, no single market dominated lettuce and chicory imports into Eastern Asia. The United States accounted for 31.1% of import value, Asia (not elsewhere specified) for 11.3%, and the Netherlands for 4.1%, together making up 46.5% of total imports. The remaining 53.5% was spread across many smaller partners, each with modest individual shares.

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

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