Figs market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

Fig production in the MENA region increased from 656 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 767 thousand tonnes in 2020, while the market volume grew from 645 thousand tonnes to 752 thousand tonnes over the same period. This expansion was supported by the region's concentrated fig cultivation, with Turkey, Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco as leading producers. Turkish figs, in particular, are noted for large fruit size and the ability to harvest up to four times a year, enhancing overall yield.

Production then fell sharply to 651 thousand tonnes in 2021, with the market volume dropping to 645 thousand tonnes, and declined further to 615 thousand tonnes of production and a 613 thousand tonne market in 2022.

A recovery followed in 2023, with production reaching 642 thousand tonnes and the market volume rising to 630 thousand tonnes. This rebound was linked to growing consumer demand for fresh figs in the Middle East, as buyers increasingly sought out healthy foods rich in potassium and vitamins. By 2024, the development of e‑commerce and digital infrastructure in the region had strengthened distribution channels for fig products.

Production figs in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of figs, 2017-2020

World map of production of figs, 2017-2020

MENA's fig production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 767.0 K t of figs, marking a modest 7.9% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 26.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.2%.

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

Exports figs from MENA

Exports in kind, t

MENA's fig export volume has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 25 612 t, showing a 25.4% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 22.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 18 244 t, which also saw the largest decline of 12.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of fig exports in kind was highly diversified. Vietnam accounted for 39.5% of exports, China for 4.7%, and Indonesia for 3.5%, together making up only 47.7% of total flows. The remaining 52.3% was distributed among a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, MENA's fig exports in value terms declined. In 2020, the region exported 69 361 K $ US worth of figs, a 6.5% drop from 2019. However, between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 41.5%, with an annualized growth rate of 12.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 74 191 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 29.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for MENA's fig exports in value terms were Vietnam, China, and the United Kingdom. Together, they accounted for 53.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports figs to MENA

Imports in kind, t

MENA's fig import volume has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 10 833 t, indicating an 8.4% advance compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 2.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 7 298 t, which experienced the largest decline of 34.3%. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase of 36.9%.

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

The market base for fig imports in kind from 2017 to 2020 was broad. Turkey accounted for 33.3% of imports, Afghanistan for 2.8%, and Pakistan for 1.3%, jointly representing just 37.4% of total flows. The remaining 62.6% was shared among numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year uptick, MENA's fig import volume in value terms declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 44 150 K $ US, down by 0.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 7.6%, with an annualized growth rate of 2.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 44 479 K $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 7.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan formed the main cluster of markets for MENA's fig imports in value terms. Turkey accounted for 46.2% of imports, Afghanistan for 3.3%, and Pakistan for 1.2%, together making up 50.6% of total flows.

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

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