Apples, pears and quinces market in Tanzania

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh apples, pears and quinces in Tanzania grew from 8,022 t in 2018 to 10,504 t in 2023, despite a temporary contraction in 2019. This expansion was primarily fueled by a steady increase in imports, which more than doubled over the period, while domestic production remained relatively stable.

From 2020, growing export potential for horticultural crops and concerted efforts to promote apple farming in regions like Dodoma, supported by demonstration farms and expert advice, began to strengthen the sector's foundation. These developments, alongside evolving consumer trust in food safety, contributed to market activity, even as post-harvest loss challenges persisted.

The market's growth accelerated notably after 2021. In 2023, the launch of local fresh apple products like juice and cider, targeting high-end supermarkets, responded to and stimulated domestic demand. Concurrently, public-sector investments in agro-processing fostered a conducive environment for industry growth, while the development of new national quality standards for fresh apples in 2024 pointed towards further market formalization.

Production apples, pears and quinces in Tanzania

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

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

In 2019, Tanzania's production of apples, pears, and quinces reached its lowest point at 5,136 tons. The following year, in 2020, production increased by 1.1% to 5,194 tons. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 5,284 tons, which represented a 2.0% increase from the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 2.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Tanzania in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports apples, pears and quinces from Tanzania

Exports in kind, t

The export market for apples, pears, and quinces from Tanzania showed considerable volatility during the observed period. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at just 10 tons, marking a decline of 43.1%. By 2020, exports surged dramatically to 101 tons, reflecting an impressive increase of 677.9% compared to 2019. The overall amplitude between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2018 was tenfold.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania's exports of apples, pears, and quinces were highly concentrated, with Kenya and Comoros together accounting for 100.0% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Tanzania's exports of apples, pears, and quinces exhibited significant volatility over these years. In 2019, export value reached its minimum at 0.2 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp decline of 97.8%. The following year, in 2020, export value rebounded strongly to 15 thousand US dollars, marking a substantial gain of 8,483.2% compared to 2019. The peak was recorded in 2017, with the overall shift from maximum to minimum showing a hundredfold difference.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Comoros and Kenya dominated Tanzania's export market for apples, pears, and quinces in value terms, jointly representing 99.9% of total export revenues.

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

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

Imports apples, pears and quinces to Tanzania

Imports in kind, t

Tanzania's imports of apples, pears, and quinces in volume terms showed notable changes from 2017 to 2020. In 2018, imports peaked at 2,748 tons, which was a 31.4% increase from the previous year. The following year, in 2019, imports declined by 21.1%. By 2020, imports stood at 2,507 tons, reflecting a solid advance of 15.6% compared to 2019. Over the entire period, imports grew by 19.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania's imports of apples, pears, and quinces were almost entirely sourced from South Africa, which accounted for 99.2% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Tanzania's import value for apples, pears, and quinces declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, import value reached its maximum at 3,185 thousand US dollars, representing a 46.3% increase. The following year, in 2019, import value dropped by 28.3% to its lowest point. In 2020, import value totaled 2,130 thousand US dollars, marking a measured fall of 6.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 2.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, South Africa was by far the primary source for Tanzania's imports of apples, pears, and quinces in value terms, accounting for 99.3% of total import expenditures.

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

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