Capsicum and pimenta fruits market in Syria

Earlier Report Observations

The market for capsicum and pimenta fruits in Syria experienced significant volatility from 2018 to 2020. Starting at 77,872 t in 2018, supported by government price controls on basic goods and the establishment of new direct farmer-to-consumer markets, production remained high at 77,870 t. However, in 2019, market volume plunged to 51,895 t as production fell to 52,365 t, a period marked by the reorganization of vegetable and fruit markets in Aleppo to curb informal vending. A strong recovery followed in 2020, with market size reaching 75,320 t and production 77,705 t, coinciding with the introduction of a free competitive market system after liberalization and state measures to lower food prices and stabilize currency exchange rates.

Market dynamics continued to shift in the early 2020s. In 2021, both market volume and production edged down to 72,043 t and 74,464 t respectively, amid broader food price inflation—particularly for poultry—that altered consumer spending and reduced demand for vegetables. The following year saw a rebound, with the market expanding to 78,756 t and production to 78,704 t in 2022, supported by ongoing government agricultural aid programs including soft loans and afforestation campaigns aimed at boosting food security.

The volatility persisted into 2023, as market volume declined to 71,354 t and production dropped to 70,203 t, returning to levels closer to those seen earlier in the period.

Production capsicum and pimenta fruits in Syria

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

Syria's production of capsicum and pimenta fruits rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2019, output hit its lowest point at 52 365 tonnes, but then surged by 48.4% to reach 77 705 tonnes in 2020. Over the entire period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 10.6%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 3.7%. The sharpest drop occurred in 2019, when production plummeted by 32.8%.

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

Exports capsicum and pimenta fruits from Syria

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of capsicum and pimenta fruits from Syria showed significant volatility during the observed period. In 2018, exports reached their lowest level at just 341 tonnes, but then soared to a peak of 4 553 tonnes in 2020—a dramatic 13.4-fold increase between these two years. Compared to 2019, the 2020 export volume was 472.9% higher. The most substantial decline happened in 2018, when exports fell by 84.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Lebanon was Syria's primary export market for capsicum and pimenta fruits, accounting for 74.9% of total exports in volume. Other destinations played a much smaller role in Syria's export structure.

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 value of Syria's capsicum and pimenta fruits exports experienced notable fluctuations. In 2018, export value bottomed out at 526 thousand US dollars, but then rebounded sharply to 2 336 thousand US dollars in 2020—a 7.6-fold increase from the low point. Year-over-year, the 2020 value surged by 221.6% compared to 2019. The steepest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 86.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Lebanon dominated Syria's export value for capsicum and pimenta fruits, representing 81.9% of the total. This high concentration highlights Lebanon's crucial role, while other countries accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Imports capsicum and pimenta fruits to Syria

Imports in kind, t

Syria's imports of capsicum and pimenta fruits in volume terms were highly volatile. In 2019, imports hit a low of 325 tonnes, but then jumped to a high in 2020, resulting in a 6.7-fold fluctuation between these years. Specifically, imports in 2020 increased by 566.8% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, with a 12.7% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey was the overwhelming source for Syria's capsicum and pimenta fruit imports in volume, making up 98.5% of the total.

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 value of Syria's capsicum and pimenta fruits imports showed significant swings. In 2019, import value was at its minimum of 73 thousand US dollars, but then rose sharply to 514 thousand US dollars in 2020—a 7.1-fold increase. Year-over-year, the 2020 value surged by 605.8% compared to 2019. The most pronounced decline occurred in 2018, with a 50.4% decrease.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Turkey was the dominant and nearly exclusive source for Syria's capsicum and pimenta fruit imports in value terms, accounting for 96.6% of the total.

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

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