Figs market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The fig market in Northern Africa experienced notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. After steady growth from 2018 to 2020, reaching a high of 591 thousand tons, the market volume contracted sharply over the next two years before showing a modest rebound in 2023.

The period began with a market size of 497 thousand tons in 2018, which climbed to 521 thousand tons in 2019 and then jumped to 591 thousand tons in 2020. This was followed by a drop to 499 thousand tons in 2021 and a further decline to 464 thousand tons in 2022. By 2023, the market had recovered slightly to 488 thousand tons, still below the 2020 peak.

Overall, the market saw a net decrease from 2018 to 2023, with the most significant volatility occurring around 2020. The rise and fall in market volume indicate underlying shifts in supply and demand dynamics within the region.

Production figs in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of figs, 2017-2020

World map of production of figs, 2017-2020

Northern Africa's fig production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 589.9 thousand tons of figs, marking a significant 13.5% rise compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 18.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 5.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 496.1 thousand tons, with the largest decline that year being 0.2%.

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

Exports figs from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, fig export volumes from Northern Africa have rebounded. In 2020, the region exported 294 tons of figs, representing a 15.1% increase from 2019. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 75.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -37.5%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 256 tons, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 67.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar remained the top buyers of figs from Northern Africa. France accounted for 28.2% of exports in kind, the United Arab Emirates for 17.5%, and Qatar for 5.9%. Together, these three countries represented 51.6% of total fig exports from the region.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decrease, fig deliveries from Northern Africa have shown an uptick. In 2020, export value reached 1 404 thousand US dollars, reflecting a substantial 53.6% increase year-over-year. Despite this recent growth, exports declined by 40.6% between 2017 and 2020, averaging an annual decrease of 15.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 914 thousand US dollars, with the largest drop occurring in 2018 at 51.7%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and France were the primary destinations for fig exports from Northern Africa in value terms. The United Arab Emirates led with 28.5% of exports, followed by Qatar at 13.1%, and France at 12.3%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 53.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports figs to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, t

The market for fig imports into Northern Africa experienced notable fluctuations during this period. Import levels varied significantly, with a threefold difference between the high in 2019 and the low in 2017. In 2020, imports totaled 1 410 tons, which is 23.8% lower than the previous year. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 1 851 tons, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 89.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Syria and Turkey dominated fig imports into Northern Africa in kind, jointly accounting for 90.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment for fig imports into Northern Africa. Imports reached their highest point in 2019 and their lowest in 2017, with a 2.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, import value stood at 5 522 thousand US dollars, representing a 12.4% decrease compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 6 306 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 118.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Syria and Turkey continued to be the dominant sources for fig imports into Northern Africa in value terms, jointly making up 97.4% of total import flows.

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

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