Edible brassicas market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The edible brassicas market in Western Asia expanded from 1.96 million tons in 2018 to 2.12 million tons in 2019, supported by increasing digitalization in fruit and vegetable supply chains and the adaptation of agricultural varieties to local environmental conditions and consumer preferences. These developments enhanced supply chain efficiency and product alignment with market demand.

During the 2020-2021 period, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted regional and global supply chains, temporarily affecting fresh vegetable availability. However, the market continued to grow, reaching 2.25 million tons by 2021, bolstered by rising consumer demand for fresh-cut and health-oriented produce, as well as heightened awareness of the benefits of fresh vegetables.

Market volume further increased to 2.38 million tons in 2022, aided by the opening of new export markets for fresh vegetables and fruits in the region, along with revised import requirements in Saudi Arabia that mandated improved cold storage and refrigerated transport infrastructure. In 2023, volume stabilized at this level amid a broader global rise in fresh vegetable market value and persistent consumer preference for personally inspected, high-quality produce in key markets such as Saudi Arabia.

Production edible brassicas in Western Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

World map of production of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

Western Asia's edible brassicas production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 1,988 thousand tonnes of edible brassicas, marking a 1.5% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, edible brassicas production in Western Asia experienced a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 2,038 million US dollars, representing a significant 13.1% decrease year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 26.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 2,346 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 22.4% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports edible brassicas from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, edible brassicas exports from Western Asia rebounded. In 2020, exports reached 26.8 thousand tonnes, showing a substantial 15.0% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 48%, equating to an annualized decline of 19.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 23.3 thousand tonnes, with the largest drop occurring in 2018 at 42.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, edible brassicas exports in kind were distributed across a diverse range of partner countries. Russia accounted for 9.9% of exports, Germany for 2.9%, and the United Kingdom for 1.7%. Together, these three countries represented just 14.6% of total export flows, indicating a highly diversified market.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Edible brassicas exports from Western Asia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 27,451 thousand US dollars worth of edible brassicas, showing a slight decrease of 1.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 39.4%, which corresponds to an annualized decline of 15.4%.

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

During the period from 2017 to 2020, Russia, Germany, and the United Kingdom were among the largest buyers of edible brassicas from Western Asia in value terms. Russia accounted for 11.4% of exports, Germany for 3.4%, and the United Kingdom for 2.9%. However, even combined, these three countries represented only 17.6% of total export value, highlighting a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Imports edible brassicas to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Western Asia's edible brassicas imports in kind declined. In 2020, the region imported 181.2 thousand tonnes, which remained largely unchanged from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 42.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 12.6%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 181.3 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 24.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Iran, Spain, and China formed the key group of partners for edible brassicas imports in kind to Western Asia. Iran accounted for 57.2% of imports, Spain for 6.1%, and China for 3.6%. Together, these three countries represented 66.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Western Asia imported 85,848 thousand US dollars worth of edible brassicas, down by 11.3% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 7.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 85,459 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 96,751 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 13.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran, Spain, and the Netherlands remained the main suppliers of edible brassicas to Western Asia in value terms. Iran accounted for 26.6% of imports, Spain for 22.0%, and the Netherlands for 8.3%. Collectively, these three countries formed 56.9% of total import value.

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

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