Carrots and turnips market in Saudi Arabia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market for fresh carrots and turnips in Saudi Arabia saw fluctuating volumes. In 2018, domestic production reached 17 thousand tons, supported by the broader agricultural sector's expansion with total cultivated area near one million hectares and the fact that carrot and turnip seeds remain viable for up to four years, aiding seasonal continuity. The market size stood at 56 thousand tons that year. By 2019, production dipped to 13 thousand tons, but higher imports kept the total market volume stable at 57 thousand tons. In 2020, both production and imports rose sharply, pushing the market to 71 thousand tons. However, in 2021, imports fell while production increased to 24.5 thousand tons, resulting in a market size of 60 thousand tons.

The period from 2022 onward marked a shift toward greater self-sufficiency in basic agricultural products, directly impacting the carrots and turnips market. Domestic production surged by 59% to 39 thousand tons in 2022, and the market expanded to 77 thousand tons. This growth continued in 2023, with production jumping another 41% to 55 thousand tons, even as imports halved to 22 thousand tons, leading to a slight market contraction to 74 thousand tons. The drive for self-sufficiency reduced reliance on foreign supply while boosting local output.

In 2024, the market continued to evolve with the adoption of cloud-based farm management platforms like those offered by FarmERP through local partnerships, improving crop monitoring and irrigation scheduling. Controlled environment agriculture allowed for year-round production despite extreme seasonal temperature changes, further supporting carrot and turnip yields. Additionally, rising point-of-sale volumes in major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam reflected growing consumer demand for fresh produce. These developments, coupled with the ongoing goal of achieving 38% self-sufficiency in certain vegetable categories, shaped the market's trajectory.

Production carrots and turnips in Saudi Arabia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of carrots and turnips, 2017-2020

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

In Saudi Arabia, carrot and turnip production reached 21 994 tonnes in 2020, marking a significant year-over-year increase of 64.3%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 40.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 12.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 13 390 tonnes, with the largest decline of 21.3% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of production in Saudi Arabia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports carrots and turnips from Saudi Arabia

Exports in kind, t

Saudi Arabia's carrot and turnip exports increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 6 402 tonnes. This represents a sharp year-over-year rise of 32.1%. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 29.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -11.1%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 868 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 57.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kuwait was the primary buyer of carrots and turnips from Saudi Arabia, accounting for 70.4% of total exports in volume. Other trading partners held relatively modest shares during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of carrot and turnip exports from Saudi Arabia totaled 1 903 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 34.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value declined by 33.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -12.8%. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at 2 883 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 17.1% that year.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Kuwait and Bahrain were the key partner countries for Saudi Arabia's carrot and turnip exports in value terms, together accounting for 82.6% of total export flows. Other partners made up the remainder.

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

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

Imports carrots and turnips to Saudi Arabia

Imports in kind, t

Saudi Arabia's carrot and turnip imports increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, with a total of 43 238 tonnes imported. This represents a robust year-over-year rise of 14.8%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 12.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 43 238 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 13.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia, Turkey, and China were the largest sources of carrot and turnip imports to Saudi Arabia in volume terms. Australia accounted for 53.1% of imports, Turkey for 22.3%, and China for 13.3%, together comprising 88.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Saudi Arabia's carrot and turnip import value declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, totaling 28 398 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 3.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 41.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 30 341 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 51.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 3.3%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Australia, China, and Turkey remained the key sources for Saudi Arabia's carrot and turnip imports in value terms. Australia accounted for 62.3% of import value, China for 12.5%, and Turkey for 12.4%, together representing 87.2% of total import flows.

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

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