Dutch peppers lose ground to Spain

In 2013, the Dutch export of peppers has decreased significantly compared to previous years. The greatest loss occurred on the German market. In the period January-July, exports were down 25% compared to the same period in 2012. German figures for imports from the Netherlands show a less dramatic picture. According to the German statistical office, 11% less Dutch peppers were imported. The discrepancy can be chalked up to re-exports.

In the same period, Germany did take in over 30% more peppers from Spain, in particular during the first 3 months of 2013. This seems to be at the expense of Dutch export. Dutch shipments to England and Sweden also decreased, with 5% and 12% respectively. Only Belgium and Norway took in more produce than in 2012. 

Dutch import of peppers has also seen a decline compared to last year. Imports from Israel halved and those from Spain were 6% smaller. After record exports in 2012, more Spanish peppers were shipped out this year. In fact, Spanish exports have grown by 7% in the first seven months, mostly due to exceptional German demand: +22%. 

China is by far the largest producer of peppers with an estimated production of up to 15.5 million tonnes. Mexico, Turkey and Indonesia are the other large-scale producers with an annual harvest of more than 1 million tonnes. 

Mexico is the largest exporter with 403,000 tonnes of peppers and 364,000 tonnes of paprika. The vast majority of Mexican produce is shipped to the U.S. Spain is the second largest exporter, at least of paprika. With just over 500,000 tonnes , Spain is therefore the de facto largest exporter of paprika in the world. Netherlands is in second place when it comes to paprika. 

The United States were by far the largest importer in 2012, with a rate of nearly 900,000 tonnes, followed by Germany, England and the Netherlands at some distance.