Carrots and turnips market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the MENA market for fresh carrots and turnips in volume terms fluctuated between 1 927 thousand tons and 2 042 thousand tons, peaking in 2019. After a contraction in 2021, the market volume recovered to 2 010 thousand tons by 2023. In value terms, the market's size fell from 1 318 million $ in 2019 to 1 013 million $ in 2022 before rising sharply to 1 240 million $ in 2023, indicating significant shifts in pricing conditions.

In 2024, regional production stabilized at approximately 2.7 million tons with a marginal decline. Market revenue reached about 1.3 billion $, while the Middle East sub-region saw a 3.5% drop in revenue to 444 million $. Persistent supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainties tempered growth, while ongoing digitalization efforts aimed to bolster market resilience. Consumer demand was shaped by a strong preference for 'better-for-you' and nutrient-dense foods, sustaining interest in carrots and turnips. Israel, the UAE, and Turkey recorded the highest per capita consumption, and Oman demonstrated a notable decade-long growth trend in consumption.

Production carrots and turnips in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of carrots and turnips, 2017-2020

World map of production of carrots and turnips, 2017-2020

Carrot and turnip production in the MENA region has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 1 921 thousand tonnes, marking a 1.2% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 7.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.5%.

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

Exports carrots and turnips from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of carrots and turnips from the MENA region have dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 146.8 thousand tonnes, representing a 9.1% year-on-year decrease. From 2017 to 2020, exports declined by 32.5%, averaging a 12.3% annual reduction.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, MENA's carrot and turnip exports were widely distributed across various markets. Russia accounted for 24.9% of exports in kind, the United States for 5.8%, and Mauritania for 4.3%. Together, these three countries made up only 35.0% of total export volumes, highlighting a broad market spread.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of carrot and turnip exports from the MENA region has fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 83.3 million US dollars, showing a significant contraction of 21.8% compared to 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 111.6 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 34.1% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia was the largest buyer of carrots and turnips from MENA in value terms, accounting for 29.8% of exports, followed by the United States at 5.7% and the Netherlands at 4.6%. However, even combined, these three markets represented just 40.2% of total export value, indicating a highly diversified partner base.

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

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

Imports carrots and turnips to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

MENA imported 214.0 thousand tonnes of carrots and turnips in 2020, a 3.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 5.5%, averaging a 1.9% annual decline. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 214.0 thousand tonnes, with the largest drop of 19.5% occurring that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the biggest increase of 21.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia, China, and Turkey were the key partners for MENA's carrot and turnip imports in kind. Australia contributed 26.2% of imports, China 23.4%, and Turkey 13.7%. Together, these three countries accounted for 63.3% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of carrot and turnip imports into the MENA region has decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 138.9 million US dollars, down 2.2% from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 148.0 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 4.9% that year. The largest decline of 4.1% occurred in 2019.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Australia, China, and Turkey formed the core group for MENA's carrot and turnip imports in value terms. Australia accounted for 38.3% of import value, China for 22.8%, and Turkey for 7.4%. Combined, these three markets represented 68.6% of total import flows.

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

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