MERCOSUR: Cabbage Market 2025

Cabbage Market Size in MERCOSUR

The MERCOSUR cabbage market was estimated at $X in 2022, increasing by 2.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the market value increased by 5.9%. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Cabbage Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, cabbage production fell modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 23% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2022 were Venezuela (X tons), Chile (X tons) and Colombia (X tons), together accounting for 75% of total production. Peru, Ecuador and Guyana lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 22%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of production, amongst the key producing countries, was attained by Guyana (with a CAGR of +11.4%), while production for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the production figures.

The average cabbage yield stood at X tons per ha in 2022, approximately mirroring 2021. Over the period under review, the yield continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 3.8%. Over the period under review, the cabbage yield reached the peak level at X tons per ha in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the yield failed to regain momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, approx. X ha of cabbage and other brassicas were harvested in MERCOSUR; remaining constant against the previous year's figure. Overall, the harvested area, however, saw a slight descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the harvested area increased by 2.9%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to cabbage production reached the maximum at X ha in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Cabbage Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2022, approx. X tons of cabbage and other brassicas were exported in MERCOSUR; reducing by -18.7% compared with the previous year. In general, exports, however, enjoyed a resilient expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 632% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2021, and then dropped remarkably in the following year.

In value terms, cabbage exports shrank to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, showed strong growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when exports increased by 306% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Brazil (X tons) and Argentina (X tons) represented roughly 97% of total exports in 2022.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exporting countries, was attained by Brazil (with a CAGR of +60.5%).

In value terms, Brazil ($X) remains the largest cabbage supplier in MERCOSUR, comprising 80% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Argentina ($X), with a 12% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Brazil amounted to +59.0%.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2022, growing by 20% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, showed a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the export price increased by 133% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Brazil ($X per ton), while Argentina amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (-0.9%).

Cabbage Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2022, supplies from abroad of cabbage and other brassicas decreased by -4.1% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. In general, imports, however, recorded buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 86% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, cabbage imports totaled $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a resilient increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 59%. The level of import peaked in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

Paraguay prevails in imports structure, recording X tons, which was approx. 90% of total imports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Guyana (X tons), making up a 6.7% share of total imports.

Imports into Paraguay increased at an average annual rate of +10.1% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Guyana (+39.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Guyana emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MERCOSUR, with a CAGR of +39.6% from 2012-2022. While the share of Paraguay (+8 p.p.) and Guyana (+6.1 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Paraguay ($X) and Guyana ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022.

In terms of the main importing countries, Guyana, with a CAGR of +57.8%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 16% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, showed a slight decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the import price increased by 69% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2022, the import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Guyana ($X per ton), while Paraguay amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Guyana (+13.1%).

Source: IndexBox Platform