Citrus fruit market in Jordan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the citrus fruit market in Jordan expanded, supported by the ongoing role of state-owned companies in the agricultural sector, particularly in the Jordan Valley, and growing consumer interest in a wider variety of fruits, including imported tropical types. This led to increases in both domestic production and imports.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused a contraction in market volume to 247.9 thousand tons due to supply chain disruptions and shifts in consumer behavior. Recovery began in 2021, bolstered by government programs to purchase crops from farmers to enhance food security and a strategic pivot in export policy towards regional markets.

Subsequent years saw continued growth, accelerating in 2023 to a market volume of 327.3 thousand tons. This surge coincided with the entry of new players, an expansion in product offerings like frozen fruits and ready-made salads, and reinforced state support after Israel halted imports of Jordanian fruits due to cholera detection. In 2024, the government renewed its commitment to the sector by resuming exports to Syria and updating agricultural policies to improve regional competitiveness.

Production citrus fruit in Jordan

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

Jordan's citrus fruit production volume declined after two years of growth. In 2020, production reached 209.6 thousand tons, marking a substantial year-over-year drop of 15.4%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 3.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 247.9 thousand tons, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 7.1%.

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

Exports citrus fruit from Jordan

Exports in kind, t

Jordan's cross-border shipments of citrus fruit declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 1 181 tons, showing a sudden reduction of 31.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 66.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 30.9%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 243 tons. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 59.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 18.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait remained the leading destinations for Jordan's citrus fruit exports in kind. Saudi Arabia accounted for 38.3% of exports, Oman for 16.0%, and Kuwait for 15.7%. Together, these three countries represented 70.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Exports peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2019, with a threefold gap between these years. In 2020, citrus fruit exports from Jordan were recorded at 3 773 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a dramatic year-over-year rise of 157.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 467 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2018 at 4 460 thousand US dollars. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 67.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq together accounted for 67.4% of Jordan's total citrus fruit exports in value terms. Saudi Arabia represented 37.2% of exports, Kuwait 15.6%, and Iraq 14.7%. These countries remained the main destinations for Jordan's citrus fruit exports.

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

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

Imports citrus fruit to Jordan

Imports in kind, t

Jordan's imported citrus fruit volumes declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 39 477 tons, equivalent to a significant decline of 19.0% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 18.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 49 031 tons, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 1.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt was the dominant market for Jordan's citrus fruit imports in kind, accounting for 85.7% of total flows. Other countries together made up the remaining share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Jordan's citrus fruit imports increased after a two-year decrease. In 2020, imports amounted to 44 503 thousand US dollars, representing a dramatic rise of 26.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 5.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 35 268 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 13.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the structure of Jordan's citrus fruit imports in value terms was marked by the predominance of Egypt, which absorbed 85.2% of total flows, along with a large number of minor partners.

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

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