Aubergines market in Syria

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh or chilled aubergines in Syria experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. Starting at 172.9 thousand tonnes in 2018, it dropped to 154.8 thousand tonnes the following year. A notable recovery occurred in 2020, with consumption reaching 184.2 thousand tonnes, but this was followed by a steep decline over the next three years. By 2023, the market had contracted to 131.9 thousand tonnes, marking an overall reduction of nearly 24% across the period. The most pronounced decrease took place in 2022, when the market shrank by over 18%.

Available information for 2024 highlights several challenges affecting Syria's agricultural sector and, by extension, the aubergine market. A severe drought, coupled with rising fuel costs and water scarcity, led to a substantial decline in overall agricultural production. Concurrently, the government implemented a ban on imports of certain basic vegetables to protect domestic producers, which altered supply conditions. High inflation and reduced consumer purchasing power further pressured food prices, likely influencing demand for fresh produce like aubergines.

Production aubergines in Syria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Syria was among the world's leading producers of aubergines from 2017 to 2020, ranking 14th globally by production volume.

Top producers of aubergines, 2017-2020

World map of production of aubergines, 2017-2020

In 2020, Syria produced 180.0 K t of aubergines, marking a robust 16.3% increase over the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 7.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 154.8 K t, which saw the largest decline of 9.4% that year.

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

Exports aubergines from Syria

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Exports bottomed in 2018 at 314 t and peaked in 2017, with a 13.6-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Syria's aubergine exports totaled 1 161 t, representing a 53.9% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 92.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 139.9%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Lebanon dominated Syria's aubergine export flows, accounting for 73.1% of total exports in kind, while other markets played a less significant role.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market demonstrated considerable volatility during this period. Import levels fluctuated 15-fold between the low of 2018 and the high of 2017. In 2020, Syria's cross-border aubergine shipments totaled 585 K $ US, showing an 8.7% increase compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 464 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 93.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 16.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Lebanon and Belarus together accounted for 94.9% of Syria's total aubergine exports in value terms, with other countries forming a diversified but less significant portion of the export structure.

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

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

Imports aubergines to Syria

Imports in kind, t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 761 t and peaked in 2020, with a 7-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Syria's aubergine imports amounted to 5 314 t, up by 598.6% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 66.5%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, virtually all aubergine imports to Syria in kind were associated with Turkey, which accounted for 98.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest value occurred in 2019 at 99 K $ US, while the highest stood at 858 K $ US in 2020, representing a peak-to-trough ratio of 8.7 times. In 2020, aubergine deliveries to Syria came to 858 K $ US, reflecting a steep rise of 767.7% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 72.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey clearly dominated Syria's aubergine imports, accounting for 95.3% of total imports in value terms.

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

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