Sweet potatoe market in Australia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, sweet potato production in Australia increased from 91.5 thousand tonnes to 104.0 thousand tonnes, with market volume growing similarly. This expansion was supported by research and development into new varieties to improve color and flavor, alongside consistently high demand from over 64% of the population. The growth of the convenience food sector, which incorporated sweet potatoes into pre-washed and pre-cut products, further boosted consumption.

After 2021, production and market volume stabilized near 93 thousand tonnes in 2022 and 91.7 thousand tonnes in 2023. This stabilization coincided with rising input costs for fertilizers, labor shortages, and increased transport expenses, which pressured production. Adverse weather affecting potato supply also created indirect market effects. However, strong retail performance continued, with sweet potatoes recording a 10% volume increase in 2023 driven by winter health trends and robust consumer preference.

Production sweet potatoe in Australia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of sweet potatoe, 2018-2021

World map of production of sweet potatoe, 2018-2021

Sweet potato production in Australia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Australia produced 104.0 K t of sweet potatoes, marking a 4.8% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 13.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports sweet potatoe from Australia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.1-fold difference between these extremes. In 2021, sweet potato shipments from Australia abroad amounted to 1 391 t, down 15.6% year-on-year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 208 t. The largest decline occurred in 2020, falling by 25.3%, while the largest increase was in 2019, surging by 108.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United Arab Emirates (47.3% of exports in kind), Singapore (14.6% of exports in kind), and the Netherlands (11.2% of exports in kind) were the top contributors to exports in kind, collectively accounting for 73.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export values dropped to their minimum in 2018 and climbed to their maximum in 2020, showing a 2.1-fold shift. In 2021, foreign sweet potato supplies from Australia reached 2 227 K $ US, reflecting a 9.2% decline compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 2 453 K $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 78.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the three largest markets—the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Hong Kong—dominated exports in value terms, together accounting for 70.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021

Imports sweet potatoe to Australia

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes were at their minimum in 2018 and peaked in 2021, with a 1.9-fold difference between these levels. In 2021, Australia's volume of sweet potato imports amounted to 1 299 t, representing a 70.3% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, falling by 28.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the partner structure for imports in kind was centered on China, which accounted for 72.3% of total flows, while other markets played a less significant role.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Import values varied from a low in 2018 to a high in 2021, showing a 1.9-fold difference. In 2021, Australia's sweet potato imports totaled 1 402 K $ US, up 76.8% compared to 2020. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, decreasing by 37.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over 2018 to 2021, China (55.1% of imports in value terms), Tonga (10.1% of imports in value terms), and Spain (9.7% of imports in value terms) led the ranking of sweet potato suppliers to Australia, with their combined share reaching 75.0% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021