Citrus fruit market in Saudi Arabia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the citrus fruit market volume in Saudi Arabia increased from 574 thousand tonnes to over 1 million tonnes. This growth was driven by rising household incomes and a shift towards healthier eating, which boosted consumer demand for fresh fruit. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further accelerated this trend as consumers sought health-boosting products. On the supply side, fruit production in the kingdom reportedly grew by 194% over the six years leading to 2020, supported by the adoption of vertical farming and government campaigns promoting local seasonal produce.

In the following years, the market continued to expand, peaking at 1,130 thousand tonnes in 2022. Major investments in agricultural technology, including Saudi-Chinese agreements worth USD 3.7 billion covering water recycling and smart food security cities, enhanced production capabilities. Concurrently, the Agricultural Development Fund approved loans exceeding USD 229 million to finance imports of agricultural products, ensuring supply continuity amidst growing demand.

In 2023, the market volume fell to 761 thousand tonnes, primarily due to a steep decline in imports. International sanctions affecting Russia and Europe disrupted fruit import prices and availability, leading to reduced inbound shipments. Despite this, market modernization continued, exemplified by a joint venture between Tamimi Markets and Japanese and Italian firms to deploy advanced agricultural technologies, highlighting the sector's resilience and ongoing transformation.

Production citrus fruit in Saudi Arabia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

Saudi Arabia's citrus fruit production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 334.3 K t of citrus fruit, reflecting a 10.5% year-over-year advance. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 86.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.0%.

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

Exports citrus fruit from Saudi Arabia

Exports in kind, K t

Foreign citrus fruit supplies from Saudi Arabia have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 24.2 K t, representing a modest rise of 5.9% compared to the previous year. However, between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 52.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 21.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 22.1 K t, with the largest decline of 56.3% also occurring in that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kuwait, Yemen, and Bahrain remained the main buyers of citrus fruit from Saudi Arabia. Kuwait accounted for 42.3% of exports in kind, Yemen for 21.7%, and Bahrain for 14.0%. Together, these three countries formed 78.0% of total exports in kind.

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, M $ US

Saudi Arabia exported 14.1 M $ US of citrus fruit in 2020, which is 25.9% lower compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 39.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.5%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 1.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kuwait, Yemen, and Bahrain led the structure of exports in value terms. Kuwait accounted for 47.4% of exports in value, Yemen for 17.5%, and Bahrain for 15.9%. Together, they represented 80.8% of total export flows.

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 citrus fruit to Saudi Arabia

Imports in kind, K t

Citrus fruit deliveries to Saudi Arabia have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 692.9 K t, marking an abrupt uptick of 58.5% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 9.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 411.5 K t, with the largest decline of 35.1% also occurring in that year.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Egypt, South Africa, and Turkey formed the core of imports in kind for Saudi Arabia. Egypt accounted for 44.0% of imports in kind, South Africa for 26.6%, and Turkey for 8.3%. Together, these three countries took 78.9% 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, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of citrus fruit to Saudi Arabia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 425.9 M $ US, marking an uptick of 11.1% over the past year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 29%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.9%.

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

Over 2017 to 2020, Egypt, South Africa, and Turkey were the main suppliers of citrus fruit to Saudi Arabia in value terms. Egypt accounted for 35.5% of imports in value, South Africa for 34.1%, and Turkey for 6.8%. Together, they comprised 76.4% of total imports in value.

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

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