Capsicum and pimenta fruits market in Western Asia, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled capsicum and pimenta fruits in Western Asia showed stable volumes around 3.1 million tons in 2018 and 2019. Growth emerged in 2020, with the market reaching 3.3 million tons, coinciding with increased export activity from Jordan where sweet pepper exports hit $36 million, stimulating regional production.

A significant expansion followed in 2021, lifting the market volume by 15% to 3.7 million tons. By 2023, the market had recovered to a similar level after a minor dip in 2022, supported by rising demand for peppers in Egypt driven by investor expansion in agricultural land and a global consumer trend towards spices and home cooking, which bolstered pepper consumption.

Looking at 2024, market developments included increased sweet pepper production in Turkey through expanded cultivation areas and productivity gains. Consumer trends also favored fresh, healthy, and convenient products, while major global ingredients companies invested in advanced processing technologies for peppers.

Production capsicum and pimenta fruits in Western Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

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

After two years of decline, Western Asia's production of capsicum and pimenta fruits has rebounded. In 2020, the region produced 3 313 thousand tons, marking a 4.9% increase from 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 3 157 thousand tons, while the most significant drop occurred in 2018 with a 0.4% decrease.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Western Asia's capsicum and pimenta fruits production has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 5 330 million US dollars, up 13.9% from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, production value actually decreased by 6.5%, translating to an average annual decline of 2.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 4 466 million US dollars, which also saw the steepest drop of 21.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports capsicum and pimenta fruits from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Western Asia's exports of capsicum and pimenta fruits have declined for two consecutive years. In 2020, export volume totaled 201.2 thousand tons, down 2.9% from 2019. Despite this recent trend, exports grew by 24.8% over the 2017-2020 period, with an average annual increase of 7.7%. The peak export volume was in 2018 at 227.4 thousand tons, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 41.0%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with an 8.9% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Germany, and Romania were notable but not dominant buyers of capsicum and pimenta fruits from Western Asia. Russia accounted for 24.8% of exports in volume, Germany for 10.7%, and Romania for 6.7%. Together, these three countries represented 42.1% of total exports, indicating a relatively diversified market.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Western Asia exported capsicum and pimenta fruits worth 323.7 million US dollars, a 5.4% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value rose by 11.9%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 3.8%. The largest decline was in 2019 with a 4.4% drop, while the biggest increase occurred in 2018 with an 11.0% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export market for capsicum and pimenta fruits from Western Asia remained highly diversified in value terms. Russia held 31.3% of export value, Germany 11.3%, and Romania 7.1%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 49.8% of total exports, with the remaining 50.2% spread across numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports capsicum and pimenta fruits to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Western Asia's imports of capsicum and pimenta fruits saw strong growth in 2020, reaching 143.7 thousand tons, an 11.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 26%, with an average annual rate of 8.0%. The largest decline was a modest 0.9% in 2019, while the most significant increase was 14.2% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Iran, and the Netherlands were the leading sources of capsicum and pimenta fruit imports into Western Asia by volume. India accounted for 29.5% of imports, Iran for 28.8%, and the Netherlands for 2.1%. Together, these three countries made up 60.4% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Western Asia imported capsicum and pimenta fruits worth 141.1 million US dollars, a slight decrease of 1.9% from the previous year. The lowest import value was recorded in 2018 at 135.5 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 143.9 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 5.6% drop, and the biggest increase was in 2019 with a 6.2% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India, Iran, and the Netherlands continued to be the main suppliers of capsicum and pimenta fruits to Western Asia in value terms. India accounted for 34.6% of import value, Iran for 14.4%, and the Netherlands for 8.4%. Collectively, these three countries represented 57.4% of total imports.

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

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