Locust beans market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, locust bean production increased from 19 924 t to 23 323 t, supported by Morocco's national strategy to expand cultivation under the 'Moroccan Forest 2020–2030' program, which aimed to plant 100 000 hectares by 2030 and distributed 250 000 carob trees annually. This growth occurred despite recurring droughts that periodically depressed yields. The market volume, however, contracted to 19 370 t in 2019 as exports jumped to 4 138 t.

The period from 2021 to 2022 saw the entry of speculators and intermediaries, which drove farm-gate prices sharply higher—from around 15 dirhams per kilogram to 70 dirhams in some regions—and created expectations of further increases. The higher prices incentivized farmers to raise output, pushing production to 29 577 t and lifting the market volume to 26 774 t by 2022. Some growers began harvesting beans before full maturity to capitalize on the price surge, affecting product quality.

In 2023, production stabilized at 29 028 t as repeated drought conditions limited further growth, although the national planting program continued. The market volume reached 27 074 t, reflecting steady domestic consumption. For 2024, trade flows decreased, with imports falling to 1 162 t and exports dropping to 2 614 t.

Production locust beans in Western Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of locust beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of locust beans, 2017-2020

Western Asia's locust bean production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 23 323 tonnes of locust beans, marking an 11.7% rise compared to the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually declined by 14.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 19 924 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 27.0% during this timeframe.

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

Exports locust beans from Western Asia

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Western Asia exported 3 929 tonnes of locust beans, showing a gradual decrease of 5.0% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 39.7%, which translates to an annualized decline of 15.5%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 2 495 tonnes, when the largest drop of 61.7% occurred. In contrast, 2019 saw the biggest increase, with exports rising by 65.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt, the United States, and the United Kingdom were the primary markets for locust bean exports in kind. Egypt accounted for 52.5% of exports, followed by the United States at 6.1% and the United Kingdom at 4.5%. Together, these three countries represented 63.1% 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 Western Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Western Asia's locust bean exports in value terms reached 3 514 thousand US dollars in 2020, reflecting a 7.0% decline from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 6.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 304 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 12.2%. Conversely, 2019 saw the highest value at 3 780 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 14.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Egypt, Italy, and the United Kingdom were the top contributors to locust bean exports in value terms. Egypt led with 46.3% of exports, followed by Italy at 5.4% and the United Kingdom at 4.7%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 56.5% of total export flows in monetary value.

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 locust beans to Western Asia

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, locust bean imports into Western Asia rebounded in 2020. The region imported 2 870 tonnes, representing a 9.1% increase from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 19.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.9%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 2 630 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 21.0%.

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

The market base for locust bean imports in kind from 2017 to 2020 was diverse. Portugal, Algeria, and Spain were notable suppliers, with Portugal accounting for 28.3% of imports, Algeria for 13.9%, and Spain for 1.7%. Together, these three countries made up 43.9% of total import flows, while the remaining 56.1% was distributed 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, K $ US

Western Asia's locust bean imports in value terms have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 2 240 thousand US dollars, showing a strong rise of 21.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 30.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 568 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 8.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the supplier portfolio for locust bean imports to Western Asia in value terms was broad. Portugal, Spain, and Algeria were key contributors, with Portugal accounting for 14.8% of imports, Spain for 5.8%, and Algeria for 5.2%. Together, these three countries represented only 25.8% of total import value, indicating that many other countries held smaller but significant shares in the market.

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

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