Citrus fruit market in ECOWAS

Earlier Report Observations

The citrus fruit market in ECOWAS expanded from 11.2 million tonnes in 2018 to 12.3 million tonnes in 2023. A notable surge occurred in 2020, when market volume grew by 7% to 12.1 million tonnes. This acceleration coincided with global industry efforts led by the World Citrus Organization to enhance trade transparency and promote consumption, aiming to prevent market saturation and support producer coordination.

Following a slight contraction in 2021, the market resumed growth, reaching 12.3 million tonnes in 2023. By 2024, the establishment of new maritime shipping routes between Morocco and West African countries reduced transport costs and improved logistics efficiency, facilitating increased citrus fruit imports into the ECOWAS region.

Production citrus fruit in ECOWAS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

Citrus fruit production in ECOWAS increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, ECOWAS produced 12 111 thousand tonnes of citrus fruit, reflecting a modest 7.0% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 2.3%, which translates to an annualized rate of 0.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 11 172 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 5.6% occurring that same year.

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

Exports citrus fruit from ECOWAS

Exports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports bottomed in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a 5.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, ECOWAS exported 2 558 tonnes of citrus fruit, showing a steep rise of 446.5% from 2019. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 468 tonnes, while the largest decline of 38.9% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belarus and Germany were the primary destinations for ECOWAS citrus fruit exports in kind, together accounting for 2.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. The lowest export value was recorded in 2019, with the highest in 2020, reflecting a 3.7-fold gap. In 2020, ECOWAS exported 2 963 thousand US dollars worth of citrus fruit, representing a gain of 265.8% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was 810 thousand US dollars in 2019, while the largest decline of 30.5% occurred in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belarus (16.6% of exports in value terms), Germany (14.9%), and France (9.2%) formed the largest group of buyers for ECOWAS citrus fruit. However, their combined contribution was limited to 40.7% of total exports in value terms, reflecting a diversified country structure.

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

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

Imports citrus fruit to ECOWAS

Imports in kind, t

Citrus fruit deliveries to ECOWAS increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, ECOWAS imported 26 722 tonnes of citrus fruit, up by 27.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 105.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 27.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa (25.8% of imports in kind), Morocco (15.4%), and Portugal (8.2%) were the largest but not dominant suppliers of citrus fruit to ECOWAS. Together, they accounted for 49.5% of total imports in kind, against a broad background of smaller partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

ECOWAS's citrus fruit import volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 21 297 thousand US dollars, representing a rise of 37.6% from a year earlier. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 121.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.4%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the three largest markets — South Africa, Portugal, and Morocco — remained central to imports in value terms, together accounting for 72.3% of total flows.

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

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