Apples, pears and quinces market in Tunisia

Earlier Report Observations

The Tunisian market for apples, pears and quinces stood at 155 thousand tons in 2018, a year when authorities reinforced the fight against smuggling of these fruits, seizing unauthorized imports to protect domestic production. Market volume then declined to 139 thousand tons in 2019. A strong rebound followed in 2020, lifting the market to 167 thousand tons.

In April 2021, severe frosts damaged fruit orchards and were officially recognized as an agricultural calamity, leading to a contraction in the market to 146 thousand tons that year. The subsequent recovery was aided by the 2022 adoption of revised Tunisian standards for the refrigerated storage of apples and pears, which helped improve fruit preservation and quality, supporting a market increase to 151 thousand tons. Growth continued in 2023, with the market reaching 157 thousand tons.

By 2024, the sector anticipated increased pear production from new plantings and varieties, signaling renewed dynamism. However, producers concurrently grappled with water shortages and climate-related challenges, which put pressure on output, as reflected in sharp price increases for these fruits at the wholesale level.

Production apples, pears and quinces in Tunisia

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

In 2020, Tunisia produced 167.8 thousand tons of apples, pears, and quinces, marking a significant 19.0% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 38.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 11.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 10.3%, while the biggest increase was recorded in 2018, at 29.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of apples, pears, and quinces in Tunisia was valued at 115.6 million US dollars, showing a strong improvement of 19.5% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 13.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 96.8 million US dollars, and the maximum value was in 2018 at 119.7 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 19.1%.

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

Exports apples, pears and quinces from Tunisia

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 4.4-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Tunisia exported 539 tons of apples, pears, and quinces, down by 77.2% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 364 tons, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 28.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tunisia's exports of apples, pears, and quinces in kind were highly concentrated on Libya, which accounted for 99.5% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Export values dropped to a minimum in 2020 and climbed to their maximum in 2019, representing a 4.4-fold shift. In 2020, Tunisia's exports of apples, pears, and quinces reached 371 thousand US dollars, down by 77.1% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 621 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 16.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Libya was the key partner for Tunisia's exports in value terms, accounting for 98.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports apples, pears and quinces to Tunisia

Market data indicates that there were no imports of apples, pears, and quinces in Tunisia from 2017 to 2020.