Australia and Oceania: Sweet Potato Market 2025

Sweet Potato Market Size in Australia and Oceania

For the fifth year in a row, the sweet potato market in Australia and Oceania recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 0.8% to $X in 2021. In general, consumption recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

Sweet Potato Production in Australia and Oceania

In value terms, sweet potato production surged to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. As a result, production reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Papua New Guinea (X tons) constituted the country with the largest volume of sweet potato production, accounting for 75% of total volume. Moreover, sweet potato production in Papua New Guinea exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Solomon Islands (X tons), sevenfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume in Papua New Guinea was relatively modest. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Solomon Islands (+1.2% per year) and Australia (+2.3% per year).

The average sweet potato yield declined to X tons per ha in 2021, approximately reflecting the previous year. Over the period under review, the yield, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the yield increased by 1%. Over the period under review, the sweet potato yield attained the maximum level at X tons per ha in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The sweet potato harvested area was estimated at X ha in 2021, approximately mirroring the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, the harvested area continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 2%. The level of harvested area peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Sweet Potato Exports

Exports in Australia and Oceania

In 2021, overseas shipments of sweet potatoes decreased by -12.2% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 104%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sweet potato exports contracted to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, recorded a significant expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 97%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2020, and then shrank in the following year.

Exports by Country

Australia dominates exports structure, reaching X tons, which was approx. 92% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by New Zealand (X tons), mixing up a 7.7% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to sweet potato exports from Australia stood at +14.7%. At the same time, New Zealand (+39.9%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, New Zealand emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Australia and Oceania, with a CAGR of +39.9% from 2012-2021. New Zealand (+6.3 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Australia saw its share reduced by -5.4% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, Australia ($X) remains the largest sweet potato supplier in Australia and Oceania, comprising 93% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by New Zealand ($X), with a 6.6% share of total exports.

In Australia, sweet potato exports increased at an average annual rate of +23.8% over the period from 2012-2021.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Australia and Oceania stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 5.1% against the previous year. Export price indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +7.6% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, sweet potato export price increased by +58.3% against 2019 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when the export price increased by 51% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Australia ($X per ton), while New Zealand stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Australia (+7.9%).

Sweet Potato Imports

Imports in Australia and Oceania

In 2021, the amount of sweet potatoes imported in Australia and Oceania surged to X tons, increasing by 50% compared with the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, imports posted a significant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 68% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in the near future.

In value terms, sweet potato imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, imports continue to indicate a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by 92% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Australia (X tons) represented the major importer of sweet potatoes, making up 73% of total imports. It was distantly followed by New Zealand (X tons), mixing up a 26% share of total imports.

Australia was also the fastest-growing in terms of the sweet potatoes imports, with a CAGR of +27.5% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, New Zealand (+20.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. While the share of Australia (+15 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2021, the share of New Zealand (-7.7 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Australia ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported sweet potatoes in Australia and Oceania, comprising 73% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by New Zealand ($X), with a 27% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Australia stood at +24.6%.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Australia and Oceania stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 5% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed a slight contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the import price increased by 15%. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was New Zealand ($X per ton), while Australia amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by New Zealand (+1.4%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :