Mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids market in Middle Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the market for mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids in Middle Africa expanded significantly, with the total market volume growing from 3 948 t to 5 486 t. This 39% increase over the five-year period was primarily driven by a steady rise in imports, which more than doubled from 1 317 t in 2018 to 2 782 t in 2023. Domestic production showed stable, incremental growth, rising from 2 631 t to 2 705 t over the same timeframe, while exports remained negligible. The market reached its peak volume of 5 757 t in 2022, reflecting a particularly active period of import activity.

Several factors contributed to this growth pattern. In 2018, the market was influenced by a difficult citrus season in the southern hemisphere, where the start of the Tango mandarin harvest in South Africa introduced competition for international distribution channels. This dynamic in key global supply regions likely affected import availability and patterns in Middle Africa. The peak in imports and total market volume in 2022 coincided with a period of strong global demand for mandarins and clementines, coupled with reported low volumes and supply constraints from major producers like Spain. This tight global market situation contributed to the record import level of over 3 000 t that year.

Looking forward, the market continues to be shaped by regional African dynamics. By 2024, imports had surged further to 3 615 t. This aligns with a broader trend of growing demand for mandarins and clementines across the African continent, as noted in market outlooks. The market in Middle Africa is part of a regional system, evidenced by price variations for these fruits in neighboring West African markets like Benin, where wholesale prices in 2024 reflected active regional trade.

Production mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids in Middle Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids, 2017-2020

World map of production of mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids, 2017-2020

Middle Africa's production of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 2 657 tonnes of these fruits, which remained broadly stable compared to 2019.

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

Exports mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids from Middle Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. In 2019, exports reached their peak at 1 tonne, but in 2020, they dropped to just 0.1 tonne, marking a 93.0% decrease from the previous year. This represents a 14.2-fold variation between the maximum in 2019 and the minimum in 2020. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 120.4% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for Middle Africa's exports in kind were Norway (2.2% of exports), France (1.2%), and the Bahamas (1.1%). Together, these countries accounted for 4.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports peaked in 2017 and bottomed out in 2020, with a 19-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Middle Africa exported 0.1 thousand US dollars worth of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids, showing an abrupt reduction of 92.5% compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 127.0%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Middle Africa's exports in value terms relied on a wide range of partner countries. Namibia (15.0% of exports), Norway (12.1%), and the Bahamas (8.8%) together accounted for 35.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids to Middle Africa

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2018, with a 5.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Middle Africa's imports of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids amounted to 1 898 tonnes, representing a strong decrease of 10.7% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 317 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with an 82.4% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 61.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for Middle Africa's imports in kind were South Africa (68.6% of imports), Morocco (9.3%), and Egypt (6.7%). Together, these countries formed 84.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Imports peaked in 2017 and bottomed in 2020, with a 3.3-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Middle Africa's imports of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids were recorded at 1 094 thousand US dollars, showing a drop of 31.8% year-over-year. The largest decline was in 2018, at 61.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 14.4% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the largest share of Middle Africa's imports in value terms came from South Africa (47.4% of imports), Portugal (12.8%), and Israel (11.8%). Together, these countries comprised 72.0% of total flows.

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

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