Apples, pears and quinces market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh apples, pears and quinces in Northern Africa expanded from 2.7 million tons in 2018 to 3.1 million tons in 2019. This initial growth coincided with stricter Algerian customs rules and higher import taxes, which prompted a major French exporter to halt golden apple shipments to Algeria, affecting trade flows alongside frost that impacted harvests in key supplying regions.

After a slight contraction to 3.0 million tons in 2020, market volume recovered steadily, reaching 3.3 million tons by 2022. In value terms, the market saw a pronounced increase from $2.8 billion in 2019 to $3.8 billion in 2022, reflecting higher price levels or shifts in the product mix.

By 2023, the physical market volume declined to 3.2 million tons, while the market value remained elevated at $3.7 billion, indicating sustained consumer spending despite lower consumption in kind.

Production apples, pears and quinces in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of apples, pears and quinces, 2017-2020

World map of production of apples, pears and quinces, 2017-2020

Northern Africa's production of apples, pears, and quinces has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 2 619 K t of these fruits, showing a modest year-over-year increase of 0.8%. Production hit its lowest point in 2018 at 2 445 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 5.1%. The most significant growth occurred in 2019 with a 6.3% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of apples, pears, and quinces produced in Northern Africa was 2 306 M $ US, remaining nearly unchanged from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 2.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 480 M $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 10.5%. The most substantial drop occurred in 2019 with a 7.1% decrease.

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

Exports apples, pears and quinces from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Export levels varied significantly, with a 3.9-fold difference between the peak in 2017 and the low in 2020. In 2020, Northern Africa exported 1.4 K t of apples, pears, and quinces, marking a sharp decline of 52.5% compared to 2019. The largest decrease was in 2018 at 61.5%, while the biggest increase happened in 2019 with a 39.5% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, no single market dominated Northern Africa's exports of apples, pears, and quinces. Mauritania accounted for 12.2% of exports in kind, Germany for 6.9%, and Belgium for 5.0%, together making up just 24.1% of total exports. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export values reached their highest point in 2017 and fell to their lowest in 2020, a 3.9-fold shift. In 2020, foreign supplies of these fruits from Northern Africa totaled 1.2 M $ US, representing a 52.8% drop from the previous year. The largest decline was in 2018 at 55.2%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2019 with a 21.8% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the value of apples, pears, and quinces exports from Northern Africa was distributed across numerous countries. Mauritania contributed 10.9% of exports in value terms, Germany 7.3%, and Belgium 5.2%, collectively accounting for only 23.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports apples, pears and quinces to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, K t

The market displayed volatility over the observed period. Import volumes varied by a factor of two, from the low in 2018 to the high in 2019. In 2020, shipments of apples, pears, and quinces to Northern Africa from abroad stood at 393.4 K t, indicating a substantial decline of 23.0% compared to the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 250.0 K t, while the maximum was in 2019 at 510.7 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 104.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Poland, and Greece were the top sources for imports in kind of apples, pears, and quinces into Northern Africa. Italy accounted for 27.0% of imports in kind, Poland for 23.0%, and Greece for 14.7%, together making up 64.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Northern Africa's import volume of apples, pears, and quinces declined. In 2020, the region imported approximately 399.2 M $ US of these fruits, equivalent to a 17.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 44.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 482.2 M $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 68.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the leading destinations for imports in value terms of apples, pears, and quinces to Northern Africa were Italy, Poland, and Greece. Italy accounted for 27.5% of imports in value terms, Poland for 24.5%, and Greece for 15.8%, jointly representing 67.8% of total flows.

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

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