Citrus fruit market in Middle Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Citrus fruit production in Middle Africa increased from 1 318 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 459 thousand tons in 2023, with market volume growing from 1 342 thousand tons to 1 477 thousand tons over the same period. The expansion was steady, interrupted only by a minor stabilization in 2019.

In value terms, production value declined from $1 645 million in 2018 to $1 154 million in 2021 before recovering to $1 293 million in 2023. The market size followed a similar trajectory, reaching $1 299 million in 2023.

During this time, global citrus markets saw rising interest from Asian buyers and increased competition from other fruits like apples and bananas, factors that influenced international trade flows and pricing conditions.

Production citrus fruit in Middle Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

Middle Africa's citrus fruit production rebounded after two years of decline. In 2019, production reached its lowest point at 1,310 thousand tonnes, but then increased by 3.1% to 1,351 thousand tonnes in 2020. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 2.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.8%.

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

Exports citrus fruit from Middle Africa

Exports in kind, t

Citrus fruit exports from Middle Africa have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region exported 51 tonnes, marking a sharp increase of 33.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 898.8%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 115.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Portugal, and Namibia were among the largest buyers of citrus fruit from Middle Africa, accounting for 5.1%, 2.0%, and 1.4% of exports in kind, respectively. However, together they represented just 8.5% of total exports, indicating a highly diversified partner base.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of citrus fruit exports from Middle Africa has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 56 thousand US dollars, showing an abrupt advance of 35.5% versus 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 299.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 58.7%.

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

The structure of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diversified, with Spain, Namibia, and Portugal accounting for 22.5%, 4.8%, and 3.8% of exports, respectively. Together, they made up just 31.1% of total flows, and no single country held a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Imports citrus fruit to Middle Africa

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decrease, citrus fruit imports into Middle Africa increased. In 2019, imports hit their lowest point at 10,642 tonnes, but then rose by 20.5% year-over-year to reach a total in 2020. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 62.8%, with an average annual decrease of 28.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt formed the core group of markets for citrus fruit imports in kind, representing 35.9%, 35.5%, and 11.9% of imports, respectively. Together, they accounted for 83.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of citrus fruit imports into Middle Africa declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume came to 6,053 thousand US dollars, down by 28.9% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 58.5%, with an average annual decline of 25.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, South Africa, Portugal, and Egypt remained the key partners for imports in value terms, accounting for 47.3%, 11.6%, and 10.7% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 69.6% of total import flows.

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

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