South-Eastern Asia: Sweet Potato Market 2025

Sweet Potato Market Size in South-Eastern Asia

The Southeast Asian sweet potato market contracted modestly to $X in 2021, remaining constant against the previous year. In general, consumption showed a pronounced downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with a decrease of -0.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Sweet Potato Production in South-Eastern Asia

In value terms, sweet potato production surged to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The level of production peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2021 were Indonesia (X tons), Vietnam (X tons) and the Philippines (X tons), together comprising 93% of total production. These countries were followed by Lao People's Democratic Republic and Myanmar, which together accounted for a further 4.6%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Lao People's Democratic Republic (with a CAGR of +3.5%), while production for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The average sweet potato yield reached X tons per ha in 2021, with an increase of 5% against the previous year's figure. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the yield increased by 5.2%. Over the period under review, the sweet potato yield hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, the harvested area of sweet potatoes in South-Eastern Asia shrank modestly to X ha, with a decrease of -3.8% on the previous year. Overall, the harvested area recorded a abrupt curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with a decrease of -3.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to sweet potato production attained the peak figure at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Sweet Potato Exports

Exports in South-Eastern Asia

Sweet potato exports declined to X tons in 2021, which is down by -12.2% on the year before. Over the period under review, exports, however, showed a significant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 127%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sweet potato exports declined to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, posted a prominent expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by 119%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Vietnam (X tons) and Lao People's Democratic Republic (X tons) were the largest exporters of sweet potatoes in South-Eastern Asia, together recording approx. 80% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Indonesia (X tons), mixing up a 16% share of total exports. Malaysia (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the key exporting countries, was attained by Lao People's Democratic Republic (with a CAGR of +28.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Vietnam ($X) remains the largest sweet potato supplier in South-Eastern Asia, comprising 65% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Lao People's Democratic Republic ($X), with an 18% share of total exports. It was followed by Indonesia, with a 15% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Vietnam amounted to +16.1%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Lao People's Democratic Republic (+18.2% per year) and Indonesia (+2.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in South-Eastern Asia amounted to $X per ton, growing by 1.8% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a deep reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the export price increased by 12%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Vietnam ($X per ton), while Malaysia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Malaysia (+3.6%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Sweet Potato Imports

Imports in South-Eastern Asia

In 2021, overseas purchases of sweet potatoes decreased by -59.8% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after three years of growth. In general, imports, however, enjoyed buoyant growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 257% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sweet potato imports contracted to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, enjoyed strong growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when imports increased by 38% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2020, and then declined in the following year.

Imports by Country

Thailand was the largest importing country with an import of about X tons, which resulted at 59% of total imports. Malaysia (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 31% share, followed by Singapore (10%).

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Malaysia (with a CAGR of +9.5%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

In value terms, Thailand ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported sweet potatoes in South-Eastern Asia, comprising 66% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Malaysia ($X), with a 21% share of total imports.

In Thailand, sweet potato imports increased at an average annual rate of +17.2% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Malaysia (+11.2% per year) and Singapore (+0.9% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in South-Eastern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 117% against the previous year. In general, the import price posted a moderate expansion. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Singapore ($X per ton), while Malaysia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Thailand (+7.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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