Lettuce and chicory market in Hong Kong

Earlier Report Observations

The lettuce and chicory market in Hong Kong saw considerable volume swings from 2018 to 2023, largely dictated by supply conditions in mainland China, its primary source. The market peaked at 39 321 tonnes in 2021 but fell sharply to 28 405 tonnes by 2023. This volatility was chiefly driven by recurrent climate disruptions across Chinese growing regions, where heavy rainfall and high temperatures frequently damaged crops and reduced harvests, tightening the supply available for export to Hong Kong.

Regulatory developments and shifting consumer preferences further shaped the market. The 2021 revision of China's Food Safety Law strengthened licensing for food production and distribution, formalizing the supply chain. At the same time, growing health consciousness among consumers boosted demand for organic and green lettuce varieties, supporting market value. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 introduced additional supply chain disturbances and demand shifts, compounding the effects of climate-related production issues.

Structural changes also emerged, with rising labor costs and enhanced food safety standards increasing production and compliance expenses. Furthermore, the market responded to a growing consumer trend toward convenience, which spurred innovation and diversification into pre-packaged and ready-to-eat lettuce products, adding a new segment to the traditional market.

Production lettuce and chicory in Hong Kong

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2017-2020

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

Hong Kong's lettuce and chicory production has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 4,237 tonnes of lettuce and chicory, marking a slight decrease of 1.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 4.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hong Kong in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Hong Kong's lettuce and chicory production volume has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 5,689 thousand US dollars, showing a moderate decrease of 5.0% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value dropped by 19.5%, which translates to an annualized decline of 7.0%.

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

Exports lettuce and chicory from Hong Kong

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Hong Kong's lettuce and chicory exports declined. In 2020, exports totaled 1,724 tonnes, which is 52.0% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 45.6%, with an annualized rate of -18.4%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 3,590 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with an 8.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong's lettuce and chicory exports in kind were almost entirely directed to Macao, which accounted for 99.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Hong Kong's lettuce and chicory exports have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 2,314 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp decrease of 53.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 54%, with a compound annual growth rate of -22.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 5,296 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase also occurred in 2018 with a 5.3% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hong Kong's lettuce and chicory exports in value terms were highly concentrated on Macao, which made up 99.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports lettuce and chicory to Hong Kong

Imports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, Hong Kong's lettuce and chicory imports increased. In 2020, imports were recorded at 33,387 tonnes, up by 4.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 38.3%, with an annualized rate of -14.9%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 31,963 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 29.9% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong's lettuce and chicory imports in kind were highly concentrated on China, which accounted for 90.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Hong Kong's lettuce and chicory imports have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 22,970 thousand US dollars, down by 12.0% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 50.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -20.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three main markets—China, the United States, and the Netherlands—together absorbed 79.5% of Hong Kong's total lettuce and chicory imports in value terms.

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

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