Grapes market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, grape production in Western Asia increased from 5 366 thousand tons to 6 194 thousand tons, while the market volume grew from 5 094 thousand tons to 5 931 thousand tons. This expansion was supported by investments in improved production practices such as crop protection and storage technologies, which enhanced grape quality and extended supply seasons. Additionally, rising global demand for high-quality table grapes stimulated production and export activities, with the emergence of new specialized companies focusing on export timing and product quality.

The market experienced volatility from 2021 to 2022, with production dropping to 5 582 thousand tons and market volume to 5 199 thousand tons in 2021, followed by a recovery to 6 098 thousand tons and 5 809 thousand tons respectively in 2022. During this period, the opening of new export destinations, such as Vietnam for Egyptian grapes after five years of negotiations coupled with phytosanitary controls, bolstered export opportunities and supported regional trade flows.

In 2023, production declined to 5 116 thousand tons and market volume fell to 4 891 thousand tons. Concurrently, government-backed investment projects in Saudi Arabia aimed at establishing a grape city in the Al-Baha region began development to boost domestic production and enhance food security. Furthermore, improvements in global supply chains and easing shipping and logistics crises contributed to underlying market activity.

Production grapes in Western Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of grapes, 2017-2020

Grape production in Western Asia has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 6 194 K t of grapes, marking a slight rise of 2.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 12.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 5 366 K t, which represented the largest decline of 2.8% during this period. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with production rising by 12.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, grape production in Western Asia declined in value terms. In 2020, the output was valued at 9 045 M $ US, representing a 7.8% reduction compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, however, production value increased by 36.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 10.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 9 811 M $ US, while the largest increase of 22.5% occurred in 2018.

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

Exports grapes from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Grape exports from Western Asia have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 531.7 K t, reflecting a moderate increase of 7.2% compared to 2019. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports actually decreased by 5.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 485.9 K t, which represented the largest decline of 13.5% during this timeframe.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, grape exports from Western Asia were widely distributed across multiple partner countries. Russia accounted for 23.1% of exports in kind, the United Kingdom for 13.4%, and Germany for 7.2%. Together, these three countries represented only 43.7% of total export flows, indicating a diverse market with many other destinations.

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

After two years of gains, grape export shipments from Western Asia declined in value terms. In 2020, exports amounted to 776.5 M $ US, down by 3.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, however, export value increased by 15.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 807.7 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 9.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the buyer portfolio for grapes from Western Asia was broad and diverse. The United Kingdom accounted for 18.6% of exports in value terms, Russia for 13.8%, and Germany for 9.2%. Together, these three countries contributed only 41.6% of total export value, while many other countries held smaller but still significant shares.

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 grapes to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Western Asia's grape import volume has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 269.3 K t, showing a substantial rise of 13.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 17.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.4%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 214.2 K t, which represented the largest decline of 6.8% during this period.

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

The market base for grape imports in kind from 2017 to 2020 was wide and varied. Iran accounted for 20.0% of imports in kind, India for 14.0%, and South Africa for 7.8%. Together, these three countries jointly accounted for just 41.9% of total import flows, with the remaining 58.1% shared among numerous other countries.

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

Western Asia's grape import volume has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 428.1 M $ US, reflecting a slight increase of 2.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 14.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the role of key suppliers in Western Asia's grape imports was notable but not dominant. Iran accounted for 18.7% of imports in value terms, India for 13.3%, and South Africa for 11.6%. Their combined share reached only 43.6% of total import value, indicating a diversified supply base with contributions from many other countries.

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

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