Aubergines market in GCC

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh aubergine market in the GCC countries grew substantially from 134.6 thousand tonnes in 2018 to a peak of 240.1 thousand tonnes in 2022, before a correction to 219.6 thousand tonnes in 2023. This expansion was underpinned by a sharp rise in domestic production, which increased from 110.4 thousand tonnes to 207.3 thousand tonnes over the period, indicating a strong push for greater self-sufficiency in fresh produce.

This production growth aligns with regional food security and economic diversification policies, which have incentivized local agricultural output despite challenges like limited arable land and water scarcity. Concurrent investments in cold chain logistics, including the facilitation of cross-border movement for refrigerated transport and the establishment of green corridors for land freight, have enhanced the supply chain for temperature-sensitive goods like aubergines.

The market was further shaped by evolving distribution channels and consumer habits, including a measurable increase in online sales of fresh groceries during Ramadan and the adoption of sustainable farming techniques such as hydroponics. These developments supported the overall growth of the fresh fruit and vegetable sector in the GCC.

Production aubergines in GCC

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of aubergines, 2017-2020

World map of production of aubergines, 2017-2020

Aubergine production in the GCC has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, GCC countries produced 197.8 thousand tonnes of aubergines, representing a 28.1% year-over-year growth. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 74.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 110.4 thousand tonnes, which saw a decline of 2.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with production surging by 39.9%.

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

Exports aubergines from GCC

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 360 tonnes, which marked a significant decline of 88.4%. In contrast, exports peaked in 2017, creating an 8.6-fold difference between the maximum and minimum years. In 2020, aubergine shipments from the GCC to abroad amounted to 2 156 tonnes, down by 11.9% compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with exports jumping by 579.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq remained the key buyer of aubergines from the GCC, accounting for 1.7% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of aubergines exported from the GCC reached 2 939 thousand US dollars, which is 6.4% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 17.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 120 thousand US dollars, which saw a decline of 40.2%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with export value rising by 48.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Afghanistan, the United States, and Iraq were the principal buyers of aubergines from the GCC in value terms. Afghanistan accounted for 4.4% of exports, the United States for 2.3%, and Iraq for 1.2%. Together, these three countries represented 7.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports aubergines to GCC

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, aubergine imports into the GCC declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 27 442 tonnes, indicating a notable drop of 10.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 36.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.9%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 30 797 tonnes, which saw an increase of 25.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran, Jordan, and India were the largest suppliers of aubergines to the GCC in volume terms. Iran accounted for 48.0% of imports, Jordan for 10.4%, and India for 3.5%. Together, these three countries formed 61.8% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of aubergines imported into the GCC totalled 15 306 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a robust contraction of 14.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 11.9%, equating to an annualized rate of -4.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 15 099 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 17 851 thousand US dollars, which saw an increase of 18.2%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of imports in value terms was scattered. Iran accounted for 15.1% of imports, India for 14.0%, and Jordan for 11.3%. Together, these three countries accounted for just 40.4% of total flows, with no single partner standing out as clearly dominant.

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

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