Peaches and nectarines market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The peaches and nectarines market in Northern Africa, centered on Morocco's key growing regions like Meknès and Saïss, started at 852 thousand tonnes in 2018. Morocco's role as a major global producer was reinforced by OCP's leading position in the African fertilizer market, providing indirect support to agricultural yields. In 2020, however, market volume fell to 779 thousand tonnes after poor weather in China and the European Union reduced global production and affected export flows to Europe.

A recovery followed, with volume reaching 801 thousand tonnes in 2021 and 861 thousand tonnes in 2022, before declining again to 791 thousand tonnes in 2023. Throughout the period, Morocco maintained its export leadership in Europe for specialized peach and nectarine varieties. By early 2024, major player Idyl launched early commercialization of Moroccan fruit, taking advantage of favorable climatic conditions near Marrakech to supply markets ahead of the traditional season.

Wholesale price movements reflected supply variability, while no specific regulatory changes targeted the peaches and nectarines market. The overall market dynamics were shaped by production responses to weather patterns and strategic initiatives by key industry actors.

Production peaches and nectarines in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of peaches and nectarines, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Northern Africa produced 780.7 thousand tonnes of peaches and nectarines, marking a moderate decline of 9.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 12.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.4%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 0.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of peaches and nectarines in Northern Africa was valued at 1 438 million US dollars, representing a 2.7% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 21.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 459 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 4.1%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 23.1%.

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

Exports peaches and nectarines from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Northern Africa exported 13 929 tonnes of peaches and nectarines, down by 30.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 52.6%, with an annualized rate of 22.0%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, at 37.0%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, at 8.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, peaches and nectarines from Northern Africa were supplied to numerous markets. Even the largest destinations—Iraq, France, and Kuwait—together accounted for only 37.3% of total exports in volume.

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

In 2020, Northern Africa exported 25 649 thousand US dollars worth of peaches and nectarines, showing a solid reduction of 20.8% versus the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 29.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.0%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 2.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, peaches and nectarines from Northern Africa were traded with many countries. Even the largest destinations—Iraq, France, and Kuwait—together represented only 42.2% of total exports in value terms.

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 peaches and nectarines to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, imports of peaches and nectarines into Northern Africa from abroad declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 12 108 tonnes, representing a steep fall of 40.5% from a year earlier. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 28.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.7%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 20 364 tonnes, with the largest increase also occurring in 2019, at 66.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Greece (26.9% of imports in volume), Lebanon (14.3% of imports in volume), and Spain (10.2% of imports in volume) were the principal sources for imports, jointly accounting for 51.3% of total flows.

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

After a two-year rise, the volume of imported peaches and nectarines into Northern Africa declined. In 2020, import value reached 18 686 thousand US dollars, constituting a reduction of 23.8% from a year earlier. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 69.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 19.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 24 509 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase occurring in 2018, at 55.1%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Greece (35.6% of imports in value terms), Lebanon (19.9% of imports in value terms), and Spain (11.5% of imports in value terms) made the biggest contribution to imports, jointly accounting for 67.0% of total flows.

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

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