Analysis and Studies - Products analysis

Root Vegetables: import and export

Overview of Root Vegetables Trade

This section provides an updated analysis of global trade in root vegetables. In 2022, root vegetables ranked as the 777th most traded product worldwide, with a total trade value of $2.01 billion. This marked a 7.35% decline in exports compared to 2021, when trade amounted to $2.17 billion. Despite their niche market status, trade in root vegetables accounted for 0.0085% of global trade. Root vegetables are categorized under "Edible Vegetables, Roots, and Tubers" and include varieties such as fresh or chilled carrots and turnips, as well as beetroot, salsify, celeriac, and radishes.

Export Trends

In 2022, the leading exporters of root vegetables were:

  • China: $455 million
  • Netherlands: $284 million
  • United States: $150 million
  • Italy: $133 million
  • Mexico: $119 million

These countries dominate the market through a combination of large-scale agricultural production, advanced supply chains, and access to international markets.

Import Trends

The main importers of root vegetables in 2022 were:

  • Germany: $235 million
  • United States: $235 million
  • Canada: $150 million
  • Vietnam: $113 million
  • France: $106 million

High demand in these countries is driven by diverse factors, including their reliance on imports to meet domestic consumption and the increasing popularity of root vegetables in global diets.

Product Complexity

On the Product Complexity Index (PCI), root vegetables ranked 766th globally in 2022. This low ranking reflects the relatively simple production and trade processes compared to more complex agricultural or industrial products.

Key Insights

The trade of root vegetables demonstrates a modest but notable role in global agriculture, with specific countries emerging as significant hubs for production and consumption. While the 2022 decline in exports highlights potential challenges, such as supply chain disruptions or shifting consumer preferences, their inclusion in the edible vegetable category underscores their importance in global food systems.

Source: https://oec.world/