Prepared sweetcorn market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of the prepared sweetcorn market in Northern America declined from 503.8 thousand tons in 2018 to 414.8 thousand tons in 2021. This reduction coincided with Tate & Lyle's sale of a controlling stake in its Primary Products division in 2021, which led to operational adjustments and a contraction in production. Despite the drop in volume, the market value rose to 549.6 million dollars in 2021, partly explained by the high crop value of sweet corn, exceeding 774 million dollars in key U.S. states, supporting overall industry valuation.

Market recovery began in 2022, with volume increasing to 437.7 thousand tons and value surging to 661.8 million dollars. Peak export prices, reaching 1.43 dollars per kg, and seasonal consumer demand factors supported this rebound. In 2023, volume grew further to 442.7 thousand tons and value to 667.2 million dollars, driven by the rising popularity of individually quick-frozen (IQF) sweetcorn for its freshness and convenience, alongside increased raw material costs that elevated production expenses.

Production prepared sweetcorn in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of prepared sweetcorn, 2017-2020

World map of production of prepared sweetcorn, 2017-2020

Northern America's prepared sweetcorn production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 435.8 thousand tonnes of prepared sweetcorn, marking an 11.0% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 17%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 6.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Northern America's prepared sweetcorn production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 533.5 million US dollars, showing a modest contraction of 6.4% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 13.7%, with an annualized rate of decline of 4.8%.

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

Exports prepared sweetcorn from Northern America

Exports in kind, t

Exported volumes of prepared sweetcorn from Northern America declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 212 tonnes, remaining relatively stable compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 27.3%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 10.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for Northern America's prepared sweetcorn exports in kind were Trinidad and Tobago, accounting for 28.9% of exports, the United Kingdom with 22.1%, and Norway at 4.6%. Together, these three countries represented 55.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, prepared sweetcorn exports from Northern America increased in 2020. The export value totaled 2 707 thousand US dollars, reflecting a slight improvement of 4.8% compared to 2019. However, between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 24.4%, with an annualized decline rate of 8.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 585 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 20.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Trinidad and Tobago led Northern America's prepared sweetcorn exports in value terms with a 28.8% share, followed by the United Kingdom at 21.3% and Norway at 5.9%. These three countries collectively accounted for 56.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports prepared sweetcorn to Northern America

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of prepared sweetcorn into Northern America showed significant volatility during this period. The lowest point was recorded in 2019 at 686 tonnes, while imports peaked in 2017, resulting in a 9.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports surged to 4 115 tonnes, representing a dramatic increase of 500.2% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 89.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand and China were the largest contributors to Northern America's prepared sweetcorn imports in kind, together accounting for 7.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Northern America's prepared sweetcorn imports increased in 2020. The import value rose by 10.1% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 30.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -11.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 5 202 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 24.4%.

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

The partner structure for Northern America's prepared sweetcorn imports in value terms was fragmented from 2017 to 2020. Thailand accounted for 6.8% of imports, while Spain and Mexico each contributed 0.9%. Together, these three countries represented only 8.6% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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