Fresh papayas market in GCC

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh papaya market in the GCC experienced notable shifts between 2018 and 2023. Market volume grew from 40 966 tonnes in 2018 to 44 752 tonnes in 2019, before contracting sharply to 29 665 tonnes in 2020, a decline largely attributable to the global COVID-19 pandemic disrupting trade and consumption. A recovery phase followed, with the market reaching 37 010 tonnes by 2023. This recovery was supported by a substantial increase in domestic production, which rose from 5 572 tonnes to 14 953 tonnes over the period, while import volumes concurrently fell from over 35 000 tonnes to 22 375 tonnes.

By 2024, global factors were shaping the trade environment for papaya in the region. Supply challenges in key producing countries like Guatemala, due to torrential rainfall, affected worldwide availability. Concurrently, the introduction of new premium varieties, such as the Dulzita papaya, responded to growing international demand fueled by health and wellness trends. While GCC import volume remained stable at approximately 22 600 tonnes, these global dynamics concerning supply, varietal innovation, and consumer preferences influenced the broader market context for fresh papaya imports into the Gulf states.

Production fresh papayas in GCC

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of fresh papayas, 2017-2020

World map of production of fresh papayas, 2017-2020

GCC's fresh papaya production has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, production reached 9 702 tonnes, marking a significant 66.4% rise compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 68.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 18.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 5 572 tonnes, with the largest decline of 3.5% also occurring that year.

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

Exports fresh papayas from GCC

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 6.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, GCC's fresh papaya export volume was 485 tonnes, representing a substantial year-on-year increase of 358.2%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when exports dropped by 64.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Yemen, and Afghanistan were the main buyers of fresh papayas from GCC. The United States accounted for 4.8% of exports in kind, Yemen for 2.7%, and Afghanistan for 0.7%. Together, these three countries represented 8.2% of total exports in kind during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over the period. Import levels varied significantly, with an 8.8-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2020. In 2020, cross-border shipments of fresh papayas from GCC amounted to 992 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 110.4% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 23.7%, while the most substantial increase occurred in 2018 with a 444.8% rise.

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

During 2017–2020, the United States, Yemen, and Afghanistan were the key destinations for exports in value terms. The United States accounted for 11.7% of exports in value, Yemen for 4.4%, and Afghanistan for 2.0%. Collectively, these three markets represented 18.1% of total export flows in value.

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

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

Imports fresh papayas to GCC

Imports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import volumes dropped to their minimum in 2017 and climbed to their maximum in 2019, with a 2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the volume of fresh papaya imports to GCC was recorded at 20 448 tonnes, indicating a 47.6% contraction compared to the previous year. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 39 028 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with an 85.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Sri Lanka and India dominated fresh papaya imports to GCC in kind. Sri Lanka accounted for 54.6% of total flows, and India for 31.1%, together forming 85.7% of total imports in kind. Other partners made up the remaining volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Fresh papaya imports to GCC declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 20 987 thousand US dollars, showing a 16.3% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 14.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.2%. The highest import value was in 2018 at 25 311 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred that same year with a 2.7% rise.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand played leading roles in fresh papaya imports to GCC in value terms. India accounted for 39.3% of imports in value, Sri Lanka for 29.4%, and Thailand for 21.7%. Together, these three countries represented 90.4% of total import flows in value.

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

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