Edible brassicas market in Saudi Arabia

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the implementation of quality control regulations for public vegetable and fruit markets established standards for freshness and safety. The market volume of edible brassicas grew to 39 559 tons in 2019, supported by a rise in imports to 10 347 tons. However, in 2020, the market declined slightly to 37 382 tons, coinciding with the introduction of new sanitary requirements for retail outlets, which likely affected market accessibility.

The market peaked in 2021 at 51 451 tons, with domestic production reaching 43 656 tons and imports surging to 21 576 tons. This was followed by a contraction in 2022, as the market volume fell to 41 793 tons.

By 2023, the market stabilized at 41 983 tons. In 2024, the government introduced new licensing rules for importers of fresh vegetables and fruits, requiring proof of cold storage and refrigerated transport, while agricultural technology firms expanded cloud-based farm management platforms and electronic delivery services improved the supply chain.

Production edible brassicas in Saudi Arabia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

World map of production of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

Saudi Arabia's production of edible brassicas declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the country produced 32 534 tonnes, marking a gradual year-over-year decrease of 6.0%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 7.9% overall, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 34 599 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 with a 7.8% rise.

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

Exports edible brassicas from Saudi Arabia

Exports in kind, t

The export market for edible brassicas from Saudi Arabia experienced significant fluctuations during this period. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 5 194 tonnes, while the peak was recorded in 2017, creating a substantial 5.5-fold difference between these years. By 2020, exports had rebounded sharply to 13 571 tonnes, representing a dramatic 151.9% increase compared to 2019. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 with an 82.0% drop.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain emerged as the primary destinations for Saudi Arabia's edible brassicas exports, collectively accounting for 92.1% of total export volumes. Kuwait led with 61.7% of exports, followed by Qatar at 16.1% and Bahrain at 14.3%.

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, K $ US

In 2020, Saudi Arabia's edible brassicas exports totaled 4 013 thousand US dollars, showing a steep 27.7% decline compared to the previous year. Over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 53.4%, averaging an annual decline of 22.5%. The most significant drop occurred in 2018 with a 46.8% decrease, while 2019 saw the largest increase at 21.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kuwait and Bahrain consistently served as the main markets for Saudi Arabia's edible brassicas exports in value terms, together representing 80.7% of total export value, with other partners accounting for the remaining share.

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 edible brassicas to Saudi Arabia

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes for edible brassicas into Saudi Arabia showed irregular patterns, reflecting a volatile market environment. In 2018, imports reached their lowest point at 5 842 tonnes, while 2020 saw the peak at 18 419 tonnes—a 3.2-fold difference between these years. The 2020 figure represented a substantial 78.0% increase compared to 2019. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 with a 38.4% drop.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Jordan, Spain, and Egypt formed the core group of suppliers for Saudi Arabia's edible brassicas imports, collectively representing 82.1% of total import volumes. Jordan led with 43.8% of imports, followed by Spain at 30.3% and Egypt at 8.0%.

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, K $ US

The value of edible brassicas imports into Saudi Arabia displayed considerable volatility during these years. In 2018, imports reached their lowest point at 7 815 thousand US dollars, while 2019 saw the peak at 14 179 thousand US dollars—a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 4 013 thousand US dollars, showing a slight 1.7% decrease compared to the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 with a 12.9% drop, while 2019 recorded the largest increase at 81.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Jordan, and Australia remained the primary sources for Saudi Arabia's edible brassicas imports in value terms, collectively accounting for 79.1% of total import value. Spain led with 44.9% of imports, followed by Jordan at 27.2% and Australia at 7.0%.

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

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