Peaches and nectarines market in Ethiopia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Ethiopian peaches and nectarines market experienced a modest decline in volume from 168.8 t to 166.4 t. During this period, the government identified fruit crops as strategic export commodities, but production remained dominated by smallholder farmers with limited market access and marketing challenges due to perishability and seasonal price fluctuations. Export to Europe was in its infancy and faced cost competitiveness issues despite reliable quality.

After 2020, the launch of a CBI project to support Ethiopia's fresh fruit and vegetables sector helped facilitate the first exports of peaches and nectarines to international markets starting in 2021. Production remained stable around 160 t, while imports fell sharply. Government initiatives promoting agricultural diversification and cluster farming, alongside indirect support from the rapidly growing floriculture sector, contributed to maintaining yields and production volumes through improved practices.

By 2024, the sector gained momentum with Ethiopia's first export of refrigerated fruits and vegetables to the European market and rising horticulture export earnings. Enhanced post-harvest handling, cold chain infrastructure, and government distribution of improved seeds and fertilizers laid groundwork for more resilient production, although export cost competitiveness remained a challenge.

Production peaches and nectarines in Ethiopia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of peaches and nectarines, 2017-2020

World map of production of peaches and nectarines, 2017-2020

Ethiopia's production of peaches and nectarines has declined for the second year in a row. In 2019, output contracted by 3.6%, followed by a further 0.8% decrease in 2020, when production reached 157.4 tonnes. The peak was recorded in 2018 at 164.5 tonnes, which represented a 3.7% increase from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Ethiopia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports peaches and nectarines from Ethiopia

Exports in kind, kg

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Ethiopia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Djibouti was the sole destination for Ethiopia's peaches and nectarines exports, consistently accounting for 100.0% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Ethiopia's export revenue from peaches and nectarines was entirely dependent on Djibouti, with this market representing 100.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports peaches and nectarines to Ethiopia

Imports in kind, kg

Ethiopia's imports of peaches and nectarines have grown for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports hit their lowest point at 4 280 kg, marking a 4.8% decline. However, they surged by 59.1% in 2019 and continued to rise by 33.2% in 2020, reaching 9 071 kg. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 101.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 26.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Ethiopia in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—South Africa, Turkey, and Australia—collectively supplied 69.3% of Ethiopia's total import volume for peaches and nectarines.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

Ethiopia's spending on imported peaches and nectarines has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 21 170 US dollars, up 88.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 span, import value grew by 420.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 73.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main sources of Ethiopia's import value for peaches and nectarines were South Africa (29.8%), Turkey (28.9%), and Lebanon (12.8%). Together, these three markets accounted for 71.5% of total import flows.

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

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