Capsicum and pimenta fruits market in Middle Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled capsicum and pimenta fruits in Middle Africa experienced a gradual contraction from around 55 800 tons in 2018 to approximately 55 100 tons in 2023. The most notable decline occurred in 2020, when the market volume fell by nearly 2% to 54 700 tons, followed by a partial recovery in 2021.

By 2024, several factors began shaping the market environment. Climate-related challenges, including heatwaves and irregular rainfall, were reported to affect pepper yields in neighboring regions, potentially influencing supply dynamics. Simultaneously, rapid development of cold storage infrastructure in parts of Africa and the Middle East, aided by IoT technology for cold chain monitoring, started improving preservation capabilities for fresh produce. Consumer trends also shifted towards healthier, unprocessed, and locally sourced foods, driven by a young population and growing interest in authentic African products.

Production capsicum and pimenta fruits in Middle Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

World map of production of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

Capsicum and pimenta fruit production in Middle Africa declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 54 641 tonnes, marking a 1.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 4.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 55 757 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 6.3%.

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

Exports capsicum and pimenta fruits from Middle Africa

Exports in kind, t

The export market for capsicum and pimenta fruits from Middle Africa showed significant volatility during this period. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at just 7.0 tonnes, representing an 86.2% decline from the previous year. The market then rebounded strongly in 2020, reaching 13.7 tonnes - a 93.9% increase year-over-year. The peak occurred in 2018 with 51.0 tonnes, which marked a remarkable 523.1% surge from 2017. Overall, exports fluctuated 7.2 times between the 2018 peak and 2019 trough.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Middle Africa's capsicum and pimenta fruit exports were distributed across a diverse range of trading partners. Nigeria accounted for 16.8% of exports, Spain for 14.6%, and the United States for 7.9%. Together, these three countries represented 39.3% of total export flows, while the remaining 60.7% went to numerous other destinations worldwide.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values for capsicum and pimenta fruits from Middle Africa demonstrated considerable volatility throughout the observed period. In 2019, export revenue dropped to its lowest level at 9.7 thousand US dollars, representing an 88.6% decrease from the previous year. The market recovered in 2020, reaching 21.6 thousand US dollars - a 121.4% increase compared to 2019. The peak occurred in 2018 with 85.1 thousand US dollars, which marked a substantial 335.3% surge from 2017. Overall, export values fluctuated 8.7 times between the 2018 peak and 2019 trough.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Middle Africa's capsicum and pimenta fruit export revenue was distributed across a balanced network of trading partners rather than being concentrated in a few markets. Nigeria accounted for 13.4% of export value, Spain for 6.4%, and the United States for 3.9%. Together, these three countries represented 23.8% of total export revenue, while the remaining 76.2% came from numerous other trading partners.

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

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

Imports capsicum and pimenta fruits to Middle Africa

Imports in kind, t

Capsicum and pimenta fruit imports into Middle Africa declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 41.9 tonnes, showing a slight decrease of 1.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased significantly by 80.7%, with an average annual decline rate of 42.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Middle Africa's capsicum and pimenta fruit imports came primarily from three key suppliers. South Africa dominated with 66.9% of imports, followed by Portugal with 8.8%, and France with 7.4%. Together, these three countries accounted for 83.1% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Middle Africa's spending on capsicum and pimenta fruit imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import expenditure reached 66.0 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp reduction of 53.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import values decreased substantially by 88.6%, with an average annual decline rate of 51.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Middle Africa's capsicum and pimenta fruit imports by value were concentrated among three main suppliers. South Africa accounted for 68.9% of import value, followed by France with 9.6%, and Portugal with 9.5%. Together, these three countries comprised 87.9% of total import expenditure.

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

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