Bananas market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Banana production in Northern Africa expanded from 2 526 thousand tons in 2018 to 2 612 thousand tons in 2020, while the market volume grew to over 3 000 thousand tons by 2020. This growth was driven by rising commercial demand across the continent, as rapid urbanization shifted consumption patterns away from self-sufficiency and increased market-oriented purchases.

Production contracted to 2 456 thousand tons in 2021 before recovering to 2 614 thousand tons by 2023. Over the same period, the total market volume steadily declined to 2 645 thousand tons, primarily due to a sharp fall in imports from 412 thousand tons in 2020 to just 56 thousand tons in 2023. The global banana supply increased significantly during these years, highlighted by Vietnam's export surge of 34.5% in 2022, which altered international trade flows and likely contributed to reduced import reliance in the region.

Production bananas in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of bananas, 2017-2020

World map of production of bananas, 2017-2020

Banana production in Northern Africa increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 2,612 thousand tons of bananas, showing minimal change from the previous year. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 2,526 thousand tons. The largest annual decline occurred in 2018 with a 3.9% drop, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2019 at 2.9% growth.

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

Exports bananas from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Banana exports from Northern Africa reached their highest level in 2017 and their lowest in 2020, with a 96-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the region exported 0.2 thousand tons of bananas, representing a dramatic 96.4% decrease compared to 2019. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019 with 276.8% growth.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Jordan was the dominant destination for Northern Africa's banana exports in volume terms, accounting for 87.3% of total shipments. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

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, M $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout this timeframe. Export values peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2020, representing a 56-fold decline. In 2020, banana shipments from Northern Africa totaled 0.1 million US dollars, marking a sharp 96.6% decrease from the previous year. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2019 with 29.2% growth.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Jordan remained the primary destination for Northern Africa's banana exports in value terms, representing 88.7% of total trade flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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 bananas to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Market behavior during these years was characterized by volatility. Import volumes fluctuated significantly, with a 3-fold difference between the peak in 2020 and the low in 2018. In 2020, Northern Africa imported approximately 411.5 thousand tons of bananas, representing a substantial 47.9% increase from the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 135.4 thousand tons. The largest annual decline occurred in 2018 with an 18.6% decrease, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2019 with 105.5% growth.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Ecuador consistently accounted for 89.9% of Northern Africa's banana imports in volume terms, indicating high market concentration. The remaining imports were shared among other countries.

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, M $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import values reached their highest point in 2020 and their lowest in 2018, with a 2.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, banana imports to Northern Africa amounted to 195.3 million US dollars, representing a 39.6% increase from 2019. The lowest import value was recorded in 2018 at 72.8 million US dollars. The largest annual decline occurred in 2018 with a 19.9% decrease, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2019 with 92.3% growth.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the geographical pattern of banana imports in value terms was characterized by strong dominance from Ecuador, which accounted for 89.4% of total import flows. Other trading partners held relatively minor shares.

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

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