Figs market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The fig market in SADC, measured in physical volume, contracted from 1 886 t in 2018 to 1 543 t in 2023. This decline was primarily driven by a steady reduction in domestic production, which fell by over 20% across the period. Market size remained stable around 1 893 t in 2019 and 2020 before dropping more sharply in the following years.

In value terms, the market showed greater volatility, peaking at 14.6 million USD in 2019 before descending to 10.6 million USD by 2023. Import volumes generally decreased, though their value saw a temporary increase in 2023, while export volumes also trended downward.

Preliminary 2024 trade data indicates a rise in imports to 129 t and a fall in exports to 227 t. During this year, South African fig exports gained access to new international destinations including the United Kingdom, China, and Singapore, reflecting evolving trade dynamics within the region.

Production figs in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of figs, 2017-2020

World map of production of figs, 2017-2020

SADC's fig production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 2 049 tonnes of figs, marking a modest contraction of 5.5% compared to the previous year. Production peaked in 2018 at 2 197 tonnes, which represented a 2.4% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 4.5%, translating to an annualized decline rate of 1.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the value of fig production in SADC was 12 848 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant decline of 26.4% from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 17 457 thousand US dollars, which saw a 27.2% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, the total value of production decreased by 7.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in SADC in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports figs from SADC

Exports in kind, t

Fig export volumes from SADC declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 275.2 tonnes, representing a reduction of 38.2% compared to 2019. The peak export volume was in 2018 at 521.8 tonnes, which showed a 6.0% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 44.1%, with a CAGR of -17.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong were the main destinations for SADC's fig exports in kind. The United Kingdom accounted for 39.3% of exports, the Netherlands for 12.7%, and Hong Kong for 12.5%. Together, these three markets represented 64.5% 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 SADC in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, SADC's fig export value declined. In 2020, exports totaled 1 725 thousand US dollars, a sharp fall of 51.9% year-over-year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 586 thousand US dollars, which saw a 10.0% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 45.6%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 18.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands consistently remained the top destinations for SADC's fig exports in value terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 46.1% of export value, Hong Kong for 16.7%, and the Netherlands for 13.3%. Collectively, these three markets made up 76.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports figs to SADC

Imports in kind, t

Fig imports into SADC declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 118.7 tonnes, a sharp contraction of 30.3% from 2019. Imports peaked in 2018 at 211.2 tonnes, which represented a 33.2% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 25.1%, with an annualized decline rate of 9.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Portugal, and Israel were the key sources for fig imports into SADC in kind. Turkey accounted for 52.3% of imports, Portugal for 9.2%, and Israel for 6.1%. Together, these three countries supplied 67.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Fig import value into SADC declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 368 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp decline of 49.6% year-over-year. The peak value was in 2018 at 1 020 thousand US dollars, which saw a 47.5% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import value decreased by 46.7%, with a CAGR of -18.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for fig imports into SADC in value terms were Turkey, Israel, and Portugal. Turkey accounted for 52.7% of import value, Israel for 11.8%, and Portugal for 10.2%. Jointly, these three countries accounted for 74.8% of total import flows.

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

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