Brazil: Sweet Potato Market 2025

Sweet Potato Market Size in Brazil

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was decline in the Brazilian sweet potato market, when its value decreased by -1.4% to $X. In general, the total consumption indicated strong growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.3% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +72.6% against 2012 indices. Sweet potato consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then fell slightly in the following year.

Sweet Potato Production in Brazil

In value terms, sweet potato production soared to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, the total production indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.2% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +97.0% against 2015 indices. As a result, production reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In 2021, the average yield of sweet potatoes in Brazil fell to X tons per ha, which is down by -4.9% on the year before. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 7.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average sweet potato yield reached the maximum level at X tons per ha in 2017; however, from 2018 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.

In 2021, approx. X ha of sweet potatoes were harvested in Brazil; with an increase of 2.4% against the previous year's figure. Overall, the total harvested area indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2021: its figure increased at an average annual rate of +5.0% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, sweet potato harvested area increased by +57.7% against 2013 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the harvested area increased by 13% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to sweet potato production reached the maximum in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

Sweet Potato Exports

Exports from Brazil

In 2021, sweet potato exports from Brazil fell rapidly to X tons, dropping by -42.1% on the previous year. Overall, exports, however, posted prominent growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 1,006%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sweet potato exports contracted to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, recorded buoyant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 394%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons) was the main destination for sweet potato exports from Brazil, with a 31% share of total exports. Moreover, sweet potato exports to the Netherlands exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Uruguay (X tons), twofold. The third position in this ranking was held by the UK (X tons), with a 9.2% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to the Netherlands stood at +14.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Uruguay (+6.0% per year) and the UK (-0.8% per year).

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) remains the key foreign market for sweet potatoes exports from Brazil, comprising 36% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the UK ($X), with an 11% share of total exports. It was followed by Uruguay, with a 5.1% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to the Netherlands totaled +15.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the UK (+3.0% per year) and Uruguay (+5.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average sweet potato export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 62% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price enjoyed a tangible expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 92%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Paraguay ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Argentina (+7.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sweet Potato Imports

Imports into Brazil

In 2019, imports of sweet potatoes into Brazil soared to X tons, picking up by 90% against the year before. In general, imports enjoyed a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 495% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2019 and are likely to continue growth in years to come.

In value terms, sweet potato imports surged to $X in 2019. Overall, imports saw significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 321% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2019 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the United States (X tons) was the main sweet potato supplier to Brazil, accounting for a approx. 100% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from the United States amounted to +25.4%.

In value terms, the United States ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sweet potatoes to Brazil.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from the United States amounted to +21.4%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average sweet potato import price amounted to less than $X per ton, standing approx. at the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a abrupt downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the average import price increased by 12% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for the United States.

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for the United States amounted to -3.2% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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