Apple market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The apple market in the MENA region saw a move towards digitalization in fresh produce supply chains from 2018, which introduced new operational efficiencies. Over the 2018-2023 period, physical market volume expanded from 5.3 million tonnes to 5.8 million tonnes, with a notable surge to 6.3 million tonnes in 2021. In contrast, the market's value remained relatively flat, oscillating between $4.2 billion and $4.4 billion USD.

The sharp rise in volume during 2021 was directly supported by substantial state-led agricultural investments, particularly in Egypt. The government allocated approximately $2.73 billion USD to integrated development initiatives like the South Valley (Toshka) project and rural schemes in Sinai, which boosted domestic fruit and vegetable production and increased overall market supply.

After the 2021 peak, market volume contracted in 2022 before edging up again in 2023. The latter year was marked by strategic agreements, such as those between Indian agri-tech firms and Dubai-based companies, designed to ease the flow of agricultural products into the Middle East. These partnerships, alongside heightened global competition in the apple trade, contributed to the market's stabilization.

Production apple in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of apple, 2017-2020

World map of production of apple, 2017-2020

Apple production in the MENA region grew for the second year in a row. In 2018, production hit its lowest point at 4 984 thousand tons, with the largest annual decline of 7.2% recorded that year. By 2020, output had risen to 5 285 thousand tons, marking a 3.1% increase compared to 2019.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, apple production in the MENA region rebounded. The value of production reached its lowest level in 2019 at 3 551 million US dollars, after the largest annual drop of 19.8% occurred in 2018. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 25.4%, averaging an annual decrease of 9.3%. In 2020, output was valued at 3 572 million US dollars, showing a modest gain of 0.6% over the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in MENA in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports apple from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

After rising for two consecutive years, apple exports from the MENA region decreased. Shipments peaked in 2019 at 686 thousand tons, with the largest annual increase of 48.2% recorded that year. In 2020, exports fell to 642 thousand tons, down 6.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 70.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 19.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, apple exports from the MENA region were widely distributed across many markets. Afghanistan was the top destination, accounting for 18.7% of exports in volume, followed by Russia at 10.3% and India at 4.2%. Together, these three countries made up only 33.2% of total exports, with the remaining 66.8% going to numerous other partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of growth, the value of apple exports from the MENA region declined. Exports reached their highest point in 2019 at 475 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 33.3% occurring that year. In 2020, exports totaled 434 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate decrease of 8.6% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 29%, averaging an annual growth rate of 8.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the value of apple exports from the MENA region was spread across many countries. Afghanistan led with 17.1% of export value, followed by Russia at 10.6% and Turkmenistan at 3.6%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for just 31.4% of total export value, indicating a diverse distribution among other partners.

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

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

Imports apple to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

Apple imports into the MENA region declined in 2020, reaching approximately 1 038 thousand tons, which was 18.3% lower than the previous year. Imports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 825 thousand tons, with the largest annual decline of 20.7% recorded that year. They then surged to a peak of 1 270 thousand tons in 2019, marking the largest annual increase of 54.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Turkey, and Poland were key suppliers of apples to the MENA region. Italy accounted for 16.1% of imports by volume, Turkey for 11.9%, and Poland for 8.4%. However, their combined share totaled only 36.5% of total imports, with the remaining 63.5% distributed among many other trading partners.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of apple imports into the MENA region amounted to 1 059 million US dollars, down 8.7% from a year earlier. Imports were at their lowest in 2018 at 940 million US dollars, then rose to a peak of 1 160 million US dollars in 2019, with the largest annual increase of 23.5% recorded that year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 11.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 3.7%.

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

During 2017-2020, the value of apple imports into the MENA region was allocated across a large number of markets. Italy was the leading supplier, accounting for 21.7% of import value, followed by Poland at 10.8% and the United States at 7.4%. Together, these three countries represented only 39.9% of total import value, highlighting the diversity of sources.

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

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