Taro market in Melanesia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, taro production in Melanesia increased from 365.6 thousand tons to 409.5 thousand tons, while the market volume grew from 359.9 thousand tons to 404.3 thousand tons. This growth was supported by ongoing research from the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), which since 2018 has introduced improved taro varieties and modern farming methods, enhancing yield and product quality. Simultaneously, the expansion of export activities, including initial shipments to New Zealand and the United States, created additional incentives for farmers to boost production.

By 2021, NARI initiated a premium taro export program to global markets, shipping 13 tons of high-quality Morobe taro to New Zealand. Growing international demand for taro as a nutritious and versatile ingredient, particularly amid the trend toward plant-based diets, further strengthened market dynamics. In 2022, global supply-chain disruptions amplified demand for Melanesian taro exports, supporting production growth. The entry of new private players into the export sector and government support through subsidies and logistics cost management contributed to sustained production increases, with output peaking at 407.4 thousand tons in 2022 before stabilizing at 409.5 thousand tons in 2023.

Production taro in Melanesia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of taro, 2017-2020

World map of production of taro, 2017-2020

Taro production in Melanesia has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 372.3 thousand tons of taro, marking a slight increase of 1.0% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 3.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, taro production in Melanesia declined in value terms. In 2020, the output was valued at 771.1 million US dollars, which is 6.8% lower than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 24.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 827.6 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 17.3% also occurring that year.

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

Exports taro from Melanesia

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, Melanesia's taro exports increased in volume. In 2020, exports amounted to 5 881 tons, which is 16.2% higher than the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 5%, equating to an average annual decline of 1.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 063 tons, with the largest drop of 10.6% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand and Australia accounted for the majority of Melanesia's taro exports in volume, while other markets played a smaller role.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Taro exports from Melanesia have increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 12 178 thousand US dollars, showing a gradual uptick of 7.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 14.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, New Zealand and Australia dominated Melanesia's taro exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 80.9% of total flows, with other countries making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports taro to Melanesia

Imports in kind, t

The market showed volatility during these years. Import volumes peaked in 2018 and fell to their lowest point in 2020, with a 31-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Melanesia's taro imports totaled 0.2 tons, representing a sharp decline of 84.4% compared to 2019. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 7 tons, with the largest increase of 231.1% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (65.0% of imports in volume), New Zealand (10.2%), and China (6.7%) were the main sources for Melanesia's taro imports, together representing 81.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. Import values fluctuated significantly, with a 66-fold difference between the high in 2018 and the low in 2020. In 2020, Melanesia's taro imports were valued at 0.4 thousand US dollars, showing a drop of 88.9% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 24 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 45.1% also occurring that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States and New Zealand formed a dominant pair for Melanesia's taro imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 90.7% of total flows, while other countries represented the residual share.

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

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