Fresh grapes market in Yemen

Earlier Report Observations

Yemen's fresh grape market demonstrated steady expansion from 2018 to 2023, with production increasing from 122.8 thousand tonnes to 153.1 thousand tonnes. This growth unfolded against a backdrop of persistent challenges, including the ongoing civil war that constrained access to essential inputs like fuel for irrigation and effective pesticides. Nevertheless, cultivation remained resilient in traditional areas such as Bani Hashish, leveraging favorable climatic conditions and inherited farming knowledge.

The market received significant impetus in 2022 when the Houthi-affiliated Ministry of Agriculture implemented a ban on raisin imports. This policy aimed to support local farmers by shielding them from external competition, thereby encouraging domestic grape cultivation and processing. Concurrently, a shift in consumer preferences emerged towards grape varieties like black Razki that are well-suited for raisin production, bolstering demand for these specific cultivars. These combined drivers helped elevate production to 149.8 thousand tonnes that year.

In 2023, the import prohibition on raisins was maintained, continuing to foster local market activity. Ongoing initiatives to establish a central grape market in regions like Bani Hashish sought to enhance sales channels and protect farmer incomes, contributing to a further production rise to 153.1 thousand tonnes. Despite issues like rising production costs and resource shortages, focused efforts on quality varieties and advocacy for farmer support underscored the sector's adaptive capacity.

Production fresh grapes in Yemen

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

Yemen's fresh grape production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 136.6 thousand tons of fresh grapes, marking a slight 1.8% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 122.8 thousand tons, representing the largest decline of 5.3% during this timeframe. Conversely, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 9.3% rise.

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

Exports fresh grapes from Yemen

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Yemen exported 176.4 tons of fresh grapes, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 77.7%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 39.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical distribution of Yemen's fresh grape exports was primarily dominated by Saudi Arabia and Belarus. Together, these two countries accounted for 99.6% of total export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Yemen's fresh grape exports totaled 96.3 thousand US dollars, showing no significant change from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 83.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -45.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belarus and Saudi Arabia remained the leading markets for Yemen's fresh grape exports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 98.4% of total export flows, while other partners played a supplementary role.

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

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

Imports fresh grapes to Yemen

Imports in kind, t

Yemen's fresh grape imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 136.7 tons, corresponding to a substantial year-over-year increase of 2 385.4%. Between 2018 and 2020, imports surged by 6 803.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 310.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Oman played a leading role in Yemen's fresh grape imports in kind, accounting for 75.1% of total import flows. The remainder was distributed across other trading partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Yemen's cross-border shipments of fresh grapes increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 85.6 thousand US dollars, up by 936.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, imports grew by 2 779.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 206.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates and Oman remained the key sources for Yemen's fresh grape imports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 91.0% of total import flows, while other partners were individually much less significant.

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

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