Olives market in Northern Africa, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

Production of fresh or chilled olives in Northern Africa showed significant volatility between 2018 and 2023. After reaching 5.3 million metric tons in 2018, output fell to 4.6 million in 2019 before jumping to 5.6 million in 2020. The following year saw a sharp contraction to 4.2 million, then a recovery to 5.2 million in 2022, and another decline to 4.3 million in 2023.

In 2024, several factors emerged that could influence the regional olive market. Yields improved in major North African producer countries, supporting a recovery in global table olive and olive oil production. Climate change impacts, including abnormally high winter temperatures in Morocco, threatened olive tree dormancy and posed risks to harvest volumes. Simultaneously, growing demand for Tunisian olive oil in European and North American markets strengthened export potential, while U.S. import duties affected supplier countries differently, with Morocco facing a 10% tariff and Tunisia 25%.

Production olives in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of olives, 2017-2020

World map of production of olives, 2017-2020

In 2020, Northern Africa produced 5 630 K t of olives, marking a substantial 22.3% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 61.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 17.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 12.6%. In contrast, the most significant increase was recorded in 2018, with a 50.7% rise.

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

Exports olives from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. From 2018 to 2020, exports varied significantly, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 5.2 times. In 2020, Northern Africa exported 118.8 t of olives, down 64.5% from 2019. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 619.3 t, which also saw the largest increase of 126.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Belgium, and Canada were the key partners for Northern Africa's olive exports in kind. Italy accounted for 30.2% of exports, Belgium for 26.7%, and Canada for 16.0%. Together, these three countries represented 72.9% of total export flows.

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

The market displayed signs of volatility over the observed period. The highest value was recorded in 2018, while the lowest occurred in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 6.4 times. In 2020, Northern Africa exported 212.4 K $ US worth of olives, a 67.9% decrease from 2019. The maximum value was in 2018 at 1 353.0 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 151.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Belgium, and Canada were the primary buyers of olives from Northern Africa in value terms. Italy contributed 27.7% of exports, Belgium 25.3%, and Canada 18.5%. Collectively, these countries accounted for 71.5% 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 olives to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, t

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. Imports peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2019, with a 3.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, olive deliveries to Northern Africa reached 40.2 t, showing a sharp rise of 99.0% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 20.2 t, while the maximum was in 2018 at 73.1 t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 72.4% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, olives shipped to Northern Africa were primarily destined for Syria, which absorbed 98.6% of total imports in kind.

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

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2019, with an 8.3-fold gap between these years. In 2020, olive imports to Northern Africa amounted to 85.0 K $ US, indicating a 141.0% increase year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 35.3 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 82.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain remained the main source for olive imports to Northern Africa, accounting for 72.7% of total imports in value terms. The remaining volume was distributed among other countries.

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

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