Market evolution: Fresh root vegetables (CN 0706) — 2015–2025
Introduction
This report analyzes the trade dynamics of fresh or chilled root vegetables (carrots, turnips, salad beetroot, salsify, celeriac, radishes, and similar edible roots) classified under Combined Nomenclature code 0706, focusing on the European Union's extra-EU trade flows from 2015 to 2025. Over this period, the EU's trade in these products has undergone significant structural shifts, characterized by a strengthening trade surplus, evolving partner relationships, and notable price volatility. The analysis is based on the provided trade data, which excludes intra-EU trade and incomplete periods.
View full trade data overview for CN 0706
1. From Volume to Value: The EU's Strengthening Trade Position
The period 2015–2025 saw a fundamental shift in the EU's trade profile for CN 0706, moving from a volume-driven model to one where increasing unit values have propelled the overall trade balance to record levels.
A Robust and Growing Surplus Fueled by Price Increases
The EU's trade balance for fresh root vegetables grew substantially, from €40.4 million in 2015 to €54.7 million in 2025, an increase of 35.2%. This expansion occurred despite a decline in physical trade volumes.
| Metric | 2015 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exports Value (EUR) | 99,544,831 | 105,349,383 | +5.8% |
| Exports Quantity (t) | 169,221 | 136,745 | -19.2% |
| Exports Price (EUR/t) | 588 | 770 | +31.0% |
| Imports Value (EUR) | 59,127,764 | 50,699,185 | -14.3% |
| Imports Quantity (t) | 113,674 | 100,653 | -11.5% |
| Imports Price (EUR/t) | 520 | 504 | -3.2% |
| Trade Balance (EUR) | 40,417,068 | 54,650,198 | +35.2% |
Divergent Price Trajectories in Exports and Imports
The most striking feature is the divergent price evolution between exports and imports. While the average price of EU imports remained relatively stable, declining slightly by 3.2%, the price of EU exports surged by 31.0%. This indicates a move up the value chain for EU producers, who may be exporting more processed or higher-quality varieties, or benefiting from stronger bargaining power in key markets.
A Shift in the Geographic Composition of Trade
The underlying volumes tell a story of shifting trade patterns. The decline in import quantity was driven by a significant reduction from traditional partners like the United Kingdom (imports down 41.8%) and Israel (imports down 86.5%). In contrast, exports saw a major geographical pivot. While shipments to the United Kingdom (the largest destination) grew by 8.9% in value, the most dramatic change was the explosive growth of exports to Ukraine, which increased from €259,404 in 2015 to €10.5 million in 2025.
2. Consolidating Specialization and Diversifying Sourcing
The EU's internal market structure for fresh root vegetables has become more specialized, while its import sources have become significantly more diversified.
Increased Export Specialization within the EU
Analysis of revealed comparative advantage (RCA) for 2025 shows that EU trade in CN 0706 is concentrated in a few highly specialized member states. Denmark, the Netherlands, and Italy have the highest RCA values, indicating they are major exporters relative to their overall trade.
| Member State | RCA (2025) | Share of EU 0706 Exports |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark | 3.00 | 5.2% |
| Netherlands | 2.47 | 35.9% |
| Italy | 2.32 | 18.6% |
| Latvia | 1.53 | 0.5% |
| Portugal | 1.49 | 2.1% |
Diversification of Import Sources, but Rising Export Concentration
The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), a measure of market concentration, reveals a key structural shift:
- Import Sources Diversified: The HHI for imports fell sharply from 2,801 to 1,654, indicating a move away from reliance on a few dominant suppliers.
- Export Destinations Concentrated: Conversely, the HHI for exports increased from 3,302 to 3,587, suggesting a greater focus on key destination markets.
This diversification of imports is exemplified by the rise of new or growing suppliers like Türkiye (imports up 381%), Egypt (up 8,315%), and Serbia (up 401%), which have partially offset declines from the UK and Israel.
Shifting Roles of Major EU Member States
Within the EU, the Netherlands solidified its position as the largest exporter (value from €30.6m to €32.0m). Notably, Poland emerged as a major exporter, with its share growing from €3.1m to €11.2m. On the import side, Romania transformed from a minor importer to a significant one (from €1.2m to €12.1m), likely reflecting its integration into EU supply chains.
3. Navigating Volatility: Price Shocks and Geopolitical Impacts
The fresh root vegetable market experienced significant price volatility, with major shocks linked to specific partners and events, underscoring the vulnerability of the supply chain.
High Volatility in Bilateral Trade Relationships
The coefficient of variation (CV) for trade values with key partners highlights considerable instability. Trade with Egypt (CV of 1.66 for imports) and Ukraine (CV of 1.46 for exports) was particularly volatile.
| Partner | Trade Flow | Coefficient of Variation (2015-2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Imports | 1.66 |
| Ukraine | Exports | 1.46 |
| Israel | Exports | 1.53 |
| Belarus | Imports | 1.54 |
| United Kingdom | Imports | 0.44 |
Major Detected Price Shocks
The data identifies several significant price shocks, which likely reflect production disruptions, logistical issues, or currency fluctuations:
| Event (Center Year) | Entity | Type | Shift (%) | Potential Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Israel | Import Price | +34.3% | Likely linked to drought or supply constraints. |
| 2020 | Ukraine | Export Price | +114.1% | May reflect early pandemic-related demand or logistics shifts. |
| 2023 | Côte d’Ivoire | Export Price | +59.0% | Possibly related to changing demand or shipping costs. |
The Sub-Product Dimension: Carrots vs. Other Roots
The volatility is also reflected in the performance of the two sub-products (070610: carrots/turnips; 070690: other roots).
- Imports of Carrots and Turnips (070610) showed high volume and price variability. The price peaked at €534/t in 2023 before falling back.
- Imports of Other Roots (070690) displayed a steady and strong price increase, from €521/t in 2015 to €871/t in 2025, suggesting sustained demand or tighter supply for these niche products.
- Exports of Other Roots (070690) commanded a significant price premium over carrots throughout the period, averaging €886/t versus €552/t for 070610, highlighting the value-added nature of this segment for EU exporters.
Conclusion
Between 2015 and 2025, the EU's external trade in fresh root vegetables (CN 0706) evolved into a more resilient and value-oriented sector. The primary driver of growth was a substantial increase in export unit prices, which more than compensated for falling volumes and delivered a 35% improvement in the trade surplus. This period was marked by a strategic reorientation: the EU diversified its import sources away from a heavy reliance on the UK and Israel towards partners like Türkiye, Egypt, and Serbia, while simultaneously consolidating export specialization within member states like the Netherlands, Italy, and the rising exporter Poland. However, this new landscape is characterized by persistent volatility, with significant price shocks indicating ongoing exposure to supply chain and geopolitical risks. The data suggests the EU has successfully navigated a challenging decade by shifting its competitive focus from volume to value in the fresh root vegetable market.