Apricots market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The apricots market in Northern Africa saw a clear downward trend in total volume from 2018 through 2023. Starting at 503 thousand tonnes in 2018, the market size contracted each year, reaching 389 thousand tonnes in 2023—a reduction of over 110 thousand tonnes or about 23% across the six-year period.

This decline was primarily fueled by a substantial drop in domestic production, which fell from 502 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 389 thousand tonnes in 2023. While imports and exports experienced some year-to-year variability, their volumes were too small to alter the overall shrinking trajectory of the market.

Production apricots in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of apricots, 2017-2020

World map of production of apricots, 2017-2020

Apricot production in Northern Africa has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 410.6 thousand tons of apricots, representing a significant 11.2% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 21.6%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 7.8%.

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

Exports apricots from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, t

Apricot exports from Northern Africa have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 187 tons of apricots, marking a sharp drop of 64.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 93.7%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 60.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export destinations for apricots from Northern Africa were quite diverse. Spain accounted for 7.9% of exports in kind, France for 7.6%, and Italy for 4.2%. Together, these three countries represented just 19.7% of total exports, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant.

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, K $ US

The value of apricot exports from Northern Africa has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 1 906 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp fall of 27.5% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 42.9%, which corresponds to an annualized decline rate of 17.0%.

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

During the period from 2017 to 2020, France was the largest buyer of apricots from Northern Africa in value terms, accounting for 10.6% of exports. Saudi Arabia followed with 7.0%, and Spain with 5.6%. However, their combined share reached only 23.2% of total export value, with the remaining 76.8% distributed among numerous other partners.

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 apricots to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, apricot imports into Northern Africa declined in 2020. Imports registered 3 157 tons that year, which is 2.9% less compared with 2019. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 3 253 tons, with the largest annual increase of 57.6% occurring that year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports overall increased by 90.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 24.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece was the leading supplier of apricots to Northern Africa in kind, accounting for 24.1% of imports. Lebanon followed with 12.0%, and Syria with 5.9%. Their joint share reached 42.0% of total imports, indicating a notable but not dominant role in the market.

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, K $ US

The value of apricot imports into Northern Africa has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 6 080 thousand US dollars, marking a gain of 27.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 141.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 34.2%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Greece, Lebanon, and Syria were the main sources of apricot imports into Northern Africa in value terms. Greece accounted for 36.2% of imports, Lebanon for 18.3%, and Syria for 9.0%. Together, they absorbed 63.5% of total import value, making them the primary suppliers to the region.

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

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