Oranges market in Eastern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the orange market volume in Eastern Africa showed stability, fluctuating near 900 thousand tons. The introduction of improved varieties like Washington Nova in Uganda and a shift by farmers from crops such as cotton to orange orchards strengthened the production base. Market growth to 910 thousand tons in 2020 was propelled by the rapid emergence of pixie orange farming in Kenya, where planted area expanded sharply due to the variety's profitability and off-season harvest advantage.

Market volume dropped to 809 thousand tons in 2021. A strong recovery followed, with volume reaching 954 thousand tons in 2022 and 1 027 thousand tons in 2023. This expansion was primarily driven by the continued boom in pixie orange cultivation in Kenya, supported by cooperatives that helped farmers negotiate better prices and secure supply for exporters. Technological advancements and improved agricultural practices, including enhanced pest and nutrient management, further boosted production efficiency and supported market growth.

In value terms, the market grew from US$ 196 million in 2018 to US$ 278 million in 2023. This increase reflected both higher volumes and price movements influenced by factors such as transport costs, input prices, and weather conditions, as noted in sector surveys.

Production oranges in Eastern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of oranges, 2017-2020

World map of production of oranges, 2017-2020

After a two-year decline, orange production in Eastern Africa rebounded in 2020. The region produced 941 000 tonnes of oranges that year, marking a 2.6% increase from 2019. Production had reached its lowest point in 2019 at 917 000 tonnes, following the largest annual decline of 1.8% in 2018.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of orange production in Eastern Africa stood at 179.6 million US dollars, showing a modest 4.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 10.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.6%. The most significant drop occurred in 2018 at 6.9%, while 2019 saw a slight increase of 0.8%.

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

Exports oranges from Eastern Africa

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Eastern Africa's orange export volume reached 51 258 tonnes, representing a robust 11.4% year-over-year growth. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 4.9%, averaging 1.6% annually. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 55 276 tonnes, followed by the lowest in 2019 at 46 001 tonnes. The most substantial annual increase occurred in 2018 at 13.1%, while 2019 saw the largest decline of 16.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, South Africa was the leading market for Eastern African orange exports in volume terms, accounting for 67.0% of total shipments.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of orange exports from Eastern Africa reached 9.785 million US dollars, showing a 3.8% increase compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 6.2%, averaging a 2.1% annual decline. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 11.187 million US dollars, while the lowest was in 2019 at 9.430 million US dollars. The most significant annual increase occurred in 2018 at 7.2%, whereas 2019 experienced the largest drop of 15.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa remained the primary market for Eastern African orange exports in value terms, capturing 65.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports oranges to Eastern Africa

Imports in kind, t

Orange imports into Eastern Africa declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, totaling 20 468 tonnes, which represents a 13.7% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 24.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.0%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 30 303 tonnes. The most substantial annual decline occurred in 2019 at 21.8%, while 2018 saw the largest increase of 11.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Egypt (22.8% of import volume), South Africa (20.3%), and Eswatini (2.0%) together accounted for 45.0% of total orange imports into Eastern Africa, making them the region's main suppliers.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Orange imports into Eastern Africa declined for the second year in a row in 2020, reaching 16.786 million US dollars, with virtually no change from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 14.7%, averaging a 5.2% annual decline. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 20.531 million US dollars. The most significant annual drop occurred in 2019 at 18.1%, while 2018 saw the largest increase of 4.3%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Egypt (36.3% of import value), South Africa (30.3%), and Eswatini (3.9%) remained the key partners for orange imports into Eastern Africa in value terms, collectively accounting for 70.4% of total import flows.

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

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