Figs market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, fig production in Western Asia increased from 374 thousand tons to 455 thousand tons, while the domestic market volume grew from 293 thousand tons to 377 thousand tons. In value terms, the market rose from $1.1 billion to $1.6 billion over the same period.

The market growth in 2023 was supported by rising consumer demand for fresh figs, driven by a shift towards healthy foods rich in potassium. This trend towards health-conscious consumption also underscored the positive outlook for fig-based products globally.

By 2024, fig imports into the region reached 16.2 thousand tons. Concurrently, fig cultivation expanded in other regions such as East Asia and Central Europe, where warmer climates facilitated production, indicating a broadening global supply landscape.

Production figs in Western Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of figs, 2017-2020

World map of production of figs, 2017-2020

Fig production in Western Asia has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 430.2 thousand tonnes of figs, marking a significant 10.5% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 13%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 374.2 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 1.7% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of decline, the value of fig production in Western Asia has rebounded. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 338 million US dollars, showing a slight increase of 1.1% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 324 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 0.9%.

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

Exports figs from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Fig exports from Western Asia have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 103.5 thousand tonnes, up by 12.6% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 14.6%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 4.6%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 87.8 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 2.9% also recorded that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, fig exports in kind were spread across a diverse range of partner countries. Germany accounted for 14.6% of exports, France for 10.3%, and the United States for 9.9%, with these three countries together making up just 34.8% of total export flows.

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, M $ US

Following a two-year reduction, the value of fig exports from Western Asia has increased. In 2020, export value reached 322.1 million US dollars, representing a 3.0% rise compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 312.7 million US dollars, while the largest decline of 1.9% occurred in 2018.

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

The partner structure for fig exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 remained fragmented. Germany held a 15.8% share, France 12.9%, and the United States 10.1%, with these three countries together accounting for only 38.8% of total flows, and no single country dominating the market.

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 figs to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Fig imports into Western Asia have grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region imported 11.7 thousand tonnes of figs, a sharp increase of 57.3% from the previous year. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 6.6 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 43.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of fig imports in kind was highly diversified. Iran accounted for 6.4% of imports, Germany for 3.1%, and Afghanistan for 2.8%, with these three countries together making up only 12.3% of total import flows, while the remaining 87.7% was distributed among numerous smaller partners.

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, M $ US

The value of fig imports into Western Asia has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 44.8 million US dollars, showing a modest drop of 8.5% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 4.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.5%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 51.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 9.0%.

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

An analysis of fig imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. Germany accounted for 4.9% of imports, the United States for 4.2%, and Afghanistan for 2.9%, with these three countries together making up only 12.0% of total flows, while a significant 88.0% was attributed to other partners.

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

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