Market evolution: Fresh lettuce and chicory (CN 0705) — 2015–2025

Introduction

This report analyses the European Union's trade in fresh lettuce and chicory (Combined Nomenclature code 0705) over the period 2015–2025. The data reveals that the EU consistently operates as a significant net exporter of these products. Over the decade, while export volumes saw a modest decline, export values increased substantially due to rising unit prices. Conversely, import values fell, though volumes remained relatively stable, indicating shifting trade patterns and sourcing strategies. This analysis explores these overarching trends and the underlying structural and partner-specific dynamics.

The EU's Consolidated Position as a Net Exporter

The EU's trade in fresh lettuce and chicory is characterized by a strong and growing net export surplus. This position is underpinned by major exporting members and a geographically concentrated export base, primarily to the United Kingdom.

A robust and expanding trade surplus

The EU's trade surplus in value terms grew significantly from approximately €236 million in 2015 to over €317 million in 2025, a rise of 34.3%. This growth occurred despite a decline in export volumes of 13.1%, as it was more than offset by a 49.6% increase in export prices. Import values, meanwhile, fell by 17.7%.

Spain's dominant role in EU exports

Spain is the undisputed leader in intra-EU lettuce and chicory exports, accounting for over 64% of the EU's total export value in 2025. Its export value grew by 38.8% over the period. The Netherlands and France are the next largest exporters, with values rising by 26.3% and 50.0% respectively. Poland emerged as a major growth story, seeing its export value surge by 714.8%.

The United Kingdom: The paramount destination

The United Kingdom absorbs the vast majority of the EU's external lettuce and chicory exports, with its share increasing from 59.4% in 2015 to 63.9% in 2025. Export values to the UK grew by 39.9% to over €214 million. Switzerland and Norway are stable secondary markets. Exports to Ukraine, however, saw explosive growth (+624.0%), reaching over €14 million by 2025.

Evolving Import Sourcing and Market Diversification

While the EU's export base is highly concentrated, its import sources have become more diversified. The UK's share of EU imports has declined sharply, while suppliers from North Africa and the Western Balkans have gained prominence.

Declining dominance of the United Kingdom in imports

The United Kingdom, though still the largest single source of imports in 2025, saw its share plummet from 81.0% to 52.5% over the decade. Import values from the UK fell by 46.6% to €9.3 million. This contraction is the primary driver of the overall decline in EU import values.

The rise of Mediterranean and Western Balkan suppliers

Several countries dramatically increased their exports to the EU, filling the space left by the UK:

• Egypt: Imports grew by an astonishing 4,241.5% (from €63,055 to €2.7 million).
• Türkiye: Imports grew by 6,043.1% (from €44,581 to €2.7 million).
• Serbia: Imports grew by 808.6% (from €98,663 to €896,439).
• Tunisia: Imports grew by 48.0% to over €1.1 million.

This shift indicates a significant geographic diversification of the EU's import supply chain for fresh lettuce and chicory, with increasing reliance on North African and Balkan producers.

Increased concentration within EU importing members

The diversification of partner countries is mirrored by a concentration among EU member states receiving these imports. Ireland remains the top EU importer but saw its import value fall by 38.0%. Notably, Romania and Greece emerged as significant new importers, with growth rates of 852.6% and 2,915.2% respectively, reflecting changing intra-EU trade flows and consumption patterns.

Specialisation, Concentration, and Market Structure

The market structure reveals a high degree of specialisation in production among certain EU members and evolving concentration metrics for trade flows, highlighting the competitive landscape.

Divergent specialisation across the EU

Trade specialisation indices in 2025 show a stark divide. Spain exhibits very high specialisation (RSCA of 0.81), confirming its role as the EU's export powerhouse. Italy is also specialised, though to a lesser degree (RSCA of 0.25). In contrast, countries like Ireland (RSCA of -1.00) and Romania (RSCA of -0.99) are highly unspecialised, indicating they are net importers for this product category. This aligns with the trade data showing these countries as key importers.

Declining import concentration and stable export focus

The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for imports by value fell sharply from 6,641 to 3,304 (-50.2%), confirming the observed diversification away from the UK. For exports, the HHI increased slightly from 3,906 to 4,439 (+13.6%), suggesting a slight consolidation or focus in export markets, primarily on the UK.

Product segment dynamics: Chicory exports gain value

A breakdown by product sub-headings reveals divergent trends within the category:

• Lettuce (070511 & 070519): Remains the volume driver for exports. Export prices for non-cabbage lettuce (070519) nearly doubled from €1,293/t to €1,983/t.
• Chicory (070521 & 070529): While export volumes for chicory (excl. witloof) fell, the value of witloof chicory (070521) exports grew strongly, with its price increasing from €2,002/t to €3,166/t. This suggests a shift towards higher-value chicory products in the EU's export basket.

Conclusion

Over the 2015–2025 period, the EU has solidified its position as a major net exporter of fresh lettuce and chicory. This is driven by high-value exports from Spanish-led production, predominantly destined for the UK market. Import dynamics, however, tell a story of diversification, with a significant decline in UK sourcing and a concurrent rise in supplies from Egypt, Türkiye, and Serbia. The market structure reflects a deep specialisation in southern EU producers and a strategic reorientation of import sources. Future trends will likely be influenced by the stability of the UK export market, the competitiveness of North African suppliers, and price movements in higher-value segments like witloof chicory.