Dried prunes market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The African dried prunes market expanded vigorously between 2018 and 2023, with total volume more than doubling from 5 103 t to 11 742 t. This growth was not linear, however, as the market experienced notable fluctuations along the way.

A surge in 2019 pushed the market volume to 8 339 t, representing a sharp 63% increase from the previous year. This was followed by a contraction to 6 948 t in 2020, before a recovery began. From 2021 onward, the market entered a phase of sustained expansion, climbing to 7 584 t, then 10 316 t, and finally 11 742 t in 2023.

The rise in market size was primarily supported by a substantial increase in imports, which grew from 3 171 t in 2018 to 9 788 t in 2023. Domestic production showed less dramatic movement, fluctuating between 1 841 t and 2 412 t over the same period, indicating that import flows were the main driver of the market's overall volume growth.

Production dried prunes in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of dried prunes, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried prunes, 2017-2020

In 2020, Africa produced 1 888 tonnes of dried prunes, marking a 2.6% increase compared to 2019. Production reached its lowest point in 2019 at 1 841 tonnes, while the peak was recorded in 2018 with 2 412 tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 23.7%, whereas the largest increase was seen in 2018, rising by 10.6%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 13.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.7%.

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

Exports dried prunes from Africa

Exports in kind, t

Africa's dried prune exports have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 2 454 tonnes, representing a substantial increase of 200.9% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 5 013.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 271.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the geographical distribution of dried prune exports was highly diverse. India accounted for 15.8% of exports, Vietnam for 10.1%, and Hong Kong for 5.7%, together making up just 31.5% of total flows. The remaining 68.5% was spread across numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Africa's dried prune exports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value stood at 7 162 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp rise of 157.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 760.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 104.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of dried prune exports in value terms was highly diversified. Vietnam contributed 11.8% of export value, Hong Kong 9.6%, and India 9.2%, together accounting for only 30.6% of total flows. The remaining 69.4% came from a wide range of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports dried prunes to Africa

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 3 171 tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 7 513 tonnes, with a 2.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imported volumes increased by 2.7% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 52.1%, while the most significant increase was in 2019, rising by 130.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France was the dominant source for dried prune imports, accounting for 56.2% of the volume. Argentina followed with 13.3%, and Spain with 8.4%. Together, these three countries made up 77.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Africa's dried prune imports have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, import value reached 16 692 thousand US dollars, reflecting a strong increase of 13.6% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 12 045 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 30.5%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, up by 22.0%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 3.7%, averaging an annual decline of 1.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France remained the key partner for dried prune imports in value terms, accounting for 56.1%. Argentina contributed 13.8%, and Chile 8.5%. Combined, these three countries represented 78.4% of total import flows.

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

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