Uruguay: Sweet Potato Market 2025

Sweet Potato Market Size in Uruguay

The Uruguayan sweet potato market declined modestly to $X in 2021, with a decrease of -3.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2020, and then reduced modestly in the following year.

Sweet Potato Production in Uruguay

In value terms, sweet potato production expanded modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production recorded a pronounced curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when the production volume increased by 14% against the previous year. Sweet potato production peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

The average yield of sweet potatoes in Uruguay dropped to X tons per ha in 2021, approximately mirroring 2020. Over the period under review, the yield showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 4.9% against the previous year. As a result, the yield attained the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of the average sweet potato yield remained at a somewhat 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, the harvested area of sweet potatoes in Uruguay was estimated at X ha, standing approx. at 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 2016 with an increase of 3.9% against the previous year. As a result, the harvested area attained the peak level of X ha. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the sweet potato harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Sweet Potato Exports

Exports from Uruguay

In 2021, the amount of sweet potatoes exported from Uruguay plummeted to X kg, with a decrease of -88.8% on the previous year's figure. In general, exports showed a significant decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when exports increased by 2,726% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sweet potato exports shrank significantly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports showed a drastic downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when exports increased by 1,981% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The UK (X tons) was the main destination for sweet potato exports from Uruguay, accounting for a approx. 757% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the UK stood at +61.7%.

In value terms, the UK ($X) also remains the key foreign market for sweet potatoes exports from Uruguay.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the UK totaled +53.2%.

Export Prices by Country

The average sweet potato export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 33% against the previous year. Overall, export price indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +12.7% 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 export price increased by +15.1% against 2018 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 an increase of 124%. The export price peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for the UK.

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Maldives amounted to +78.7% per year.

Sweet Potato Imports

Imports into Uruguay

In 2020, imports of sweet potatoes into Uruguay soared to X tons, rising by 1,065% on the year before. Over the period under review, imports recorded significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when imports increased by 78,132% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2020 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, sweet potato imports skyrocketed to $X in 2020. Overall, imports posted a prominent increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when imports increased by 8,363% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2020 and are likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

Brazil (X tons) and Argentina (X tons) were the main suppliers of sweet potato imports to Uruguay. Moreover, sweet potato imports in Brazil exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Argentina, threefold.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Brazil (with a CAGR of -26.7%).

In value terms, Brazil ($X) and Argentina ($X) appeared to be the largest sweet potato suppliers to Uruguay.

In terms of the main suppliers, Argentina, with a CAGR of -26.9%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review.

Import Prices by Country

The average sweet potato import price stood at less than $X per ton in 2021, waning by 99.9% against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a pronounced shrinkage. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the average import price increased by 678% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Argentina ($X per ton), while the price for Brazil totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Argentina (+4.4%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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