Capsicum and pimenta fruits market in the United Arab Emirates, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The market for capsicum and pimenta fruits in the UAE demonstrated steady initial growth, with volume rising to 41 587 t in 2019. During this period, increased consumer focus on the health benefits of peppers, such as their high vitamin C and mineral content, positively influenced demand. Market volume stabilized near 41 893 t in 2020 before entering a phase of rapid expansion.

From 2021, the market volume surged dramatically, reaching 58 189 t and then climbing consistently to 79 064 t by 2023. This strong growth was supported by the rising popularity of hot peppers in local cuisines and a significant expansion of e-commerce in the UAE. Concurrent investments in advanced cold-chain logistics specifically for fresh produce improved the quality and availability of peppers for consumers, sustaining the market's upward trajectory.

Looking ahead, major infrastructure developments signaled further support for the market. In 2024, the directive to establish the world's largest food and vegetable market in Dubai, coupled with targeted investments in trade logistics, aimed to solidify the UAE's role as a global hub for pepper trade and stimulate continued sector growth.

Production capsicum and pimenta fruits in the United Arab Emirates

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

The United Arab Emirates saw its production of capsicum and pimenta fruits grow for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 6 377 tonnes, marking a significant 23.0% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 14.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 4 150 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 25.5%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 24.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports capsicum and pimenta fruits from the United Arab Emirates

Exports in kind, t

The export market for capsicum and pimenta fruits from the United Arab Emirates showed considerable volatility over these years. Exports peaked in 2020 at 14 348 tonnes, which was 63.4% higher than in 2019, while the lowest point was in 2017, resulting in a 5.8-fold difference between these extremes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 3.2%, whereas 2018 saw the most substantial increase at 268.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the top buyers of capsicum and pimenta fruits from the United Arab Emirates were Kuwait, accounting for 42.1% of exports in kind, Saudi Arabia at 29.5%, and Oman at 13.7%. Together, these three countries made up 85.4% of the total export volume.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The United Arab Emirates experienced a third consecutive year of growth in the value of its capsicum and pimenta fruits exports. In 2020, export value reached 16 399 thousand US dollars, a sharp increase of 49.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 954.9%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 119.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During the 2017–2020 period, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Oman consistently led as the main destinations for exports in value terms. Kuwait held 44.2% of the share, Saudi Arabia 23.0%, and Oman 10.7%, collectively representing 77.9% of the total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020

Imports capsicum and pimenta fruits to the United Arab Emirates

Imports in kind, t

Imports of capsicum and pimenta fruits into the United Arab Emirates increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 49 864 tonnes, showing a robust 10.4% rise from 2019. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 44 583 tonnes, which also recorded the largest decline of 10.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, India and Iran were the dominant sources for imports in kind, together accounting for 81.2% of the total volume, with the remainder coming from other markets.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of capsicum and pimenta fruits imports into the United Arab Emirates grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 40 315 thousand US dollars, a 12.4% increase from 2019. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 17.2%, with an annualized decline of 6.1%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 34 105 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest drop of 29.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, India, the Netherlands, and Spain were the largest contributors to imports in value terms. India accounted for 61.5%, the Netherlands for 11.7%, and Spain for 5.0%, together making up 78.2% of the total import value.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020