Alliaceous vegetables market in Libya

Earlier Report Observations

The market for alliaceous vegetables in Libya expanded by 4.6% to 273.2 thousand tons in 2019, driven primarily by a surge in imports which more than doubled from 9.4 to 20.2 thousand tons. This import growth coincided with reports of foreign traders from Egypt and Sudan dominating the wholesale and retail trade, which may have facilitated increased cross-border supply despite chaotic market conditions in Tripoli characterized by a lack of proper cooling infrastructure.

After a 5.3% contraction in 2020, the market recovered to 270.8 thousand tons in 2021, again fueled by imports which jumped to 20.3 thousand tons. This reliance on foreign supply was underscored by the lasting impact of the central bank's cessation of farmer subsidies since 2015, which constrained domestic production and left the market dependent on imports for an estimated 85% of its needs. Consequently, consumer prices for vegetables soared by 150-280% for some items, reflecting imported inflation and pressure on purchasing power.

The market then entered a downward trend, shrinking by 3.4% in 2022 and a further 3.3% in 2023 to 252.9 thousand tons, as imports fell sharply. By 2024, regulatory measures such as the Ministry of Economy's Decree No. 394 on trademark agents and Decree No. 61 banning re-export were introduced, while fertilizer prices rose 25-40% due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, raising production costs. Simultaneously, companies like Al Bustan Al Akhdar expanded their import and distribution networks, and new vegetable markets were built in Sirte, indicating ongoing structural changes amid challenging conditions.

Production alliaceous vegetables in Libya

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

Libya's production of alliaceous vegetables saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2020, the country produced 251.4 thousand tons, marking a slight decrease of 0.7% from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.3%. The peak was reached in 2019 with 253.0 thousand tons, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 4.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Libya in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports alliaceous vegetables from Libya

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Libya exported 5 tons of alliaceous vegetables, a 50.0% drop compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell sharply by 99.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -79.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Libya in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Libya's exports of alliaceous vegetables were almost entirely directed to Tunisia, which accounted for 98.4% of the total export volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Libya in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of alliaceous vegetables exported from Libya was 2 thousand US dollars, down 47.6% from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, export value declined by 98.5%, corresponding to an annualized decrease of 75.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Libya in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017-2020, Tunisia was the overwhelmingly dominant buyer of alliaceous vegetables from Libya, making up 97.3% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Libya in value, 2017-2020

Imports alliaceous vegetables to Libya

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of alliaceous vegetables into Libya showed volatility during the observed period. The lowest point was in 2020 at 7 247 tons, a 64.2% decrease from the previous year, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 20 216 tons, representing a 2.8-fold difference. The largest year-on-year increase was recorded in 2019 at 116.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Libya in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for Libya's imports of alliaceous vegetables by volume were Egypt (54.2%), Turkey (19.9%), and the Netherlands (16.2%), together accounting for 90.3% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Libya in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Libya's imports of alliaceous vegetables totaled 2 825 thousand US dollars, a steep decline of 62.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value fell by 52%, with an annualized decrease of 21.7%. The highest value was in 2019 at 7 445 thousand US dollars, and the largest year-on-year increase was also in 2019 at 53.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Libya in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Egypt (59.0%), Turkey (15.1%), and the Netherlands (13.8%) formed the primary group of markets for Libya's imports of alliaceous vegetables by value, collectively representing 87.8% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Libya in value, 2017-2020