Cabbage exports from China increased by 757% between 1997 and 2007

China, Indonesia, Syria and Uzbekistan have been the top Asian cabbage exporters since 1997

China was the top Asian cabbage exporter between 1997 and 2007, shipping a total of 278,000 tonnes in 2007. This country was also the leading cabbage producer in Asia over this period, recording a volume of 37 million tonnes in 2008, according to data from the Statistics Division of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN (FAOSTAT).

Overall, the cabbage export market in Asia showed growth of 236% between 1997 and 2007, rising to a volume of 481,393 tonnes in 2007. Nevertheless, this tonnage represented only 1% of the 53 million tonnes of cabbage produced in Asia in 2007.

The Asian export market dropped to its lowest point in 1997, when 143,217 tonnes were exported. Since then, export figures have increased in fits and starts.

Top 4 cabbage exporters
The top 4 cabbage exporters, China, Indonesia, Syria and Uzbekistan, maintained their presence in the ranking throughout the 10-year period between 1997 and 2007.

The share of the export market held by these 4 countries increased from 60% in 1997 to 75% in 2007 (see the graph below), so these countries have gradually tightened their stranglehold on the market over the years. The share held by “Other” countries fell from 40% in 1997 to 25% in 2007.

Asia: Cabbage exports 1997-2007

Own elaboration, with data as at 21 June 2010 from: http://faostat.fao.org/site/567/default.aspx#ancor, Statistics Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAOSTAT).

In 1997, China accounted for nearly 58% of all Asian cabbage exports, and it has maintained its position as the leading exporter (278,027 tonnes in 2007). This country is the top Asian cabbage producer, and it has clearly consolidated its cabbage business over the years, with exports climbing 757% between 1997 and 2007.

Exports from Indonesia have remained fairly stable, showing growth of just 1.6% between 1997 and 2007, when a total of 45,323 tonnes was exported.

Syria is the third most important exporter in Asia, increasing its volume by 846% over the 10-year period. The strong export figures recorded in 2006 were maintained in 2007, when the Middle Eastern country exported a total of 39,273 tonnes.

Uzbekistan has increased its export business by 349% to reach a total of 37,248 tonnes in 2007. This country has maintained a strong position since 2003. As the graph above shows, the volume of its cabbage exports began to increase in 2002.

S&G Brassicas Today – July 2010