Orange juice market in GCC

Earlier Report Observations

The unfermented orange juice market in the GCC region experienced a notable peak in 2019, with consumption reaching 133.1 million liters. This surge was supported by a sharp increase in imports, which rose to 76.8 million liters that year, alongside steady growth in domestic production. Following this high, the total market volume entered a sustained contraction, declining to 73.7 million liters by 2023.

Local production continued to expand until 2021, reaching 106.5 million liters, but then fell sharply over the next two years. The simultaneous decrease in import volumes, which dropped to 35.6 million liters in 2023, amplified the overall market reduction. Export activity also retreated from its 2020 peak, further shaping the net supply available within the region.

By 2023, the combined effect of lower production and reduced imports led to a market size that was 45% smaller than its 2019 level. The period from 2018 to 2023 was marked by significant volatility in trade flows and a substantial decline in local output, defining a clear downward trend in market volume.

Production orange juice in GCC

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

Top producers of orange juice, 2017-2020

World map of production of orange juice, 2017-2020

Orange juice production in the GCC has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, production reached 100.8 million liters, marking a 1.4% rise compared to 2019. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually declined by 25.4%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 9.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 93.2 million liters, when output fell by 31.0%—the steepest drop in the period. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase, with production growing by 6.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in GCC in kind, 2017-2020, M l

Exports orange juice from GCC

Exports in kind, K l

Orange juice exports from the GCC have also risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 52 096 thousand liters, showing a strong increase of 20.8% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 15.4%, averaging an annual growth rate of 4.9%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 28 770 thousand liters, when exports fell by 36.3%—the largest decline during this time. Conversely, 2019 experienced the biggest surge, with exports jumping by 50.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from GCC in kind, 2017-2020, K l

From 2017 to 2020, the GCC's orange juice exports were distributed across a wide range of partners. Iraq accounted for 9.4% of exports in volume, Libya for 6.8%, and Jordan for 5.0%. Together, these three countries represented just 21.2% of total export flows, highlighting the diversity of the market.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports in value terms peaked in 2019, then dropped to their lowest point in 2018—a fluctuation of 4.9 times. In 2020, orange juice deliveries from the GCC were valued at 45.9 million US dollars, representing a sharp 70.2% contraction compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 31.6 million US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 154.0 million US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 387.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the GCC's orange juice exports in value terms were spread across numerous markets. Libya accounted for 6.6% of export value, Jordan for 4.9%, and Yemen for 3.9%. Combined, these three countries made up only 15.4% of total flows, underscoring the broad distribution of export revenues.

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

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

Imports orange juice to GCC

Imports in kind, K l

In 2020, the GCC imported 61 645 thousand liters of orange juice, representing a substantial decrease of 19.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 12.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 45 708 thousand liters, while the highest was in 2019 at 76 813 thousand liters. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with imports surging by 68.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to GCC in kind, 2017-2020, K l

From 2017 to 2020, orange juice imports to the GCC in volume terms came from many countries. Brazil accounted for 20.9% of imports, Spain for 8.7%, and the Netherlands for 7.1%. Together, these three suppliers represented 36.6% of total import flows, indicating a relatively concentrated sourcing pattern compared to exports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of orange juice imports to the GCC amounted to 94.0 million US dollars, representing a 30.0% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 11.7%, averaging an annual decline of 4.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 134.3 million US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 41.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Spain were the key partners for orange juice imports to the GCC in value terms. Brazil accounted for 29.8% of import value, the Netherlands for 11.8%, and Spain for 11.3%. Jointly, these three countries represented 52.8% of total flows, showing a more focused import structure in monetary terms.

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

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