In-shell almonds market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The in-shell almond market in Northern Africa expanded consistently from 2018 to 2022, with volume rising from 280 thousand tons to 344 thousand tons. This growth coincided with strong global demand, where almonds led nut usage in new food product launches across Europe and worldwide consumption rose at a compound annual rate near 4.5%.

New industry entrants, such as the French-based Compagnie des Amandes, contributed to market dynamism by planting orchards and planning a shelling facility from 2019 onward. Even the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which reduced demand from bars and airlines, did not halt overall market expansion, as record U.S. production helped sustain supply and consumer interest in healthy snacks remained robust.

After reaching a peak in 2022, the market volume declined by 5.7% in 2023 to 325 thousand tons, reflecting a period of adjustment following several years of rapid growth.

Production in-shell almonds in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of in-shell almonds, 2017-2020

World map of production of in-shell almonds, 2017-2020

Northern Africa's in-shell almond production grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 292.0 K t of in-shell almonds, a 1.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 4.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 280.0 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 0.2%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 2.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of in-shell almond output in Northern Africa reached 1 182 M $ US, up 16.1% from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 22%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 6.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 0.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports in-shell almonds from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed significant volatility, reflecting an unstable market. The lowest point was in 2018 at 163 t, while the peak came in 2019 at 345 t—a 2.1-fold difference. In 2020, Northern Africa exported 193 t of in-shell almonds, a sharp decline of 43.9% from the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 110.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Turkey, and Syria were the top buyers of in-shell almonds from Northern Africa, accounting for 19.5%, 2.3%, and 1.8% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they made up 23.6% of total exports, indicating a diversified export structure across multiple countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values experienced notable fluctuations during this period. The low point was in 2018 at 598 K $ US, rising to a high of 1 218 K $ US in 2019—a two-fold increase. In 2020, exports amounted to 783 K $ US, marking a significant drop of 35.7% compared to 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 103.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Syria, and Turkey remained the primary buyers of in-shell almonds from Northern Africa in value terms. France accounted for 43.4% of exports, Syria for 8.0%, and Turkey for 2.5%, collectively representing 53.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports in-shell almonds to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes displayed an unstable trend over the timeframe. The lowest point was in 2018 at 434 t, while the peak occurred in 2017, with a 3.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 553 t, down 22.0% from the prior year. The largest decline was in 2018 at 70.7%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 63.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Turkey were the main sources of in-shell almond imports to Northern Africa in kind. The UAE contributed 41.1%, the US 26.3%, and Turkey 2.5%, together accounting for 69.9% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values showed irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. The low was in 2018 at 1 440 K $ US, and the high in 2019 at 3 550 K $ US—a 2.5-fold fluctuation. In 2020, imports stood at 2 718 K $ US, a decline of 23.4% from the previous year. The largest drop was in 2018 at 37.5%, while the biggest rise was in 2019 at 146.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, three key markets—the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey—dominated in-shell almond imports to Northern Africa in value terms, collectively absorbing 83.2% of total import value.

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

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