Citrus fruit market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The citrus fruit market volume in the MENA region grew from 29 467 тыс. т in 2018 to 32 148 тыс. т in 2023, supported by large-scale government investments in agricultural production, especially in Egypt. Strategic agreements between Indian and UAE agribusinesses eased the flow of imported fruits, contributing to overall market expansion.

Market volume peaked at 32 620 тыс. т in 2022 after recovering from a dip in 2020, sustained by ongoing public funding for integrated rural development projects like the South Valley (Toshka) initiative. These investments helped maintain stable production levels despite annual fluctuations.

Consumer preferences increasingly favored organic and clean-label citrus products, while a 30% surge in regional e-commerce altered distribution and retail channels. Digitalization of the supply chain and heightened food security focus in Gulf Cooperation Council countries further shaped market dynamics in later years.

Production citrus fruit in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

MENA's citrus fruit production saw a two-year improvement before declining. In 2020, the region produced 32 088 K t of citrus fruit, which represents a 1.6% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 9.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 32 600 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 6.8%.

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

Exports citrus fruit from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, citrus fruit exports from MENA amounted to 2 655 K t, marking a sharp increase of 45.7% compared to the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 800 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 34.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a rise of 77.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, citrus fruit from MENA was supplied to a wide range of markets. Russia accounted for 18.5% of exports in kind, France for 8.2%, and the Netherlands for 7.2%. Together, these three countries represented only 33.9% of total exports in kind, with the remaining 66.1% distributed among many smaller destinations.

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

Citrus fruit exports from MENA increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the export value totaled 1 910 M $ US, representing a substantial rise of 10.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 38.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, France, and the Netherlands played notable but not dominant roles as buyers of citrus fruit from MENA in value terms. Russia accounted for 17.0% of exports in value, France for 9.1%, and the Netherlands for 7.7%. Their combined share reached only 33.8% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports citrus fruit to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

MENA imported approximately 1 694 K t of citrus fruit in 2020, representing an 11.4% year-over-year gain. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 7.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 521 K t, while the maximum was in 2018 at 1 745 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 12.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey, South Africa, and Pakistan formed the core of MENA's citrus fruit imports in kind. Turkey accounted for 25.6% of imports in kind, South Africa for 21.6%, and Pakistan for 4.5%. Together, these three countries took 51.7% of total import flows.

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

In 2020, MENA's citrus fruit import value tallied 1 342 M $ US, which is 22.0% higher than a year earlier. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 24.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 with a decrease of 4.2%.

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

The structure of imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 points to a diversified set of partners. South Africa accounted for 29.1% of imports in value terms, Turkey for 15.0%, and Spain for 4.7%. Together, these three countries jointly accounted for only 48.7% of total flows, while the remaining 51.3% was dispersed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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