Plums and sloes market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for plums and sloes in Northern Africa reached 413.3 thousand tons in 2018, supported by the expansion of planted areas in Morocco driven by the Plan Maroc Vert agricultural policy, which increased yields. However, the market declined over the next two years, falling to 354.5 thousand tons in 2020 as rising production costs and the entry of new players into processing put pressure on producers.

Production recovered in 2021, driving the market volume up to 411.6 thousand tons. In the following two years, the market stabilized at around 410 thousand tons, with minor fluctuations to 410.3 thousand tons in 2022 and 404.0 thousand tons in 2023.

In 2024, market factors include the anticipation of a normalized plum season in South Africa, which may affect imports, while persistent increases in production costs and selling price pressures continue to influence local producers.

Production plums and sloes in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

World map of production of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

Plum and sloe production in Northern Africa has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 337.3 thousand tons, which represents a 5.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 9.8%, translating to an average annual decline of 3.4%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 400.3 thousand tons, with that year also seeing the largest increase of 7.1%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant drop, with production falling by 11.0%.

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

Exports plums and sloes from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed notable volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 683 tons and peaked in 2019 at 2 285 tons, resulting in a 3.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, plum and sloe deliveries from Northern Africa totaled 818 tons, marking a sharp year-on-year decline of 64.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export structure in kind revealed a diverse range of trading partners. Mauritania accounted for 6.7% of exports, Senegal for 5.8%, and the United Arab Emirates for 1.8%. Together, these three countries represented just 14.4% of total flows, while the remaining 85.6% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

Following two consecutive years of growth, the value of plum and sloe exports from Northern Africa declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 773 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 33.0% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export values fell by 20.4%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of -7.3%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 2 645 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 13.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Mauritania played significant but not dominant roles as buyers of plums and sloes from Northern Africa in value terms. Qatar accounted for 6.8% of exports, the United Arab Emirates for 5.3%, and Mauritania for 5.0%. Their combined share reached 17.1% 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 plums and sloes to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, t

After increasing for two years, plum and sloe import volumes into Northern Africa declined. In 2020, imports stood at 17 984 tons, showing a substantial 17.4% drop compared to the previous year. However, over the broader 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 108.3%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 27.7%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 21 777 tons, which also experienced the largest increase of 60.2%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Syria, Italy, and Greece were the primary sources for imports in kind. Syria contributed 24.6% of imports, Italy 23.1%, and Greece 19.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 66.9% of total import 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

The market exhibited noticeable fluctuations throughout the period. The minimum value was recorded in 2017, while the maximum occurred in 2019, with a 2.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, foreign plum and sloe supplies to Northern Africa totaled 27 772 thousand US dollars, representing a 7.7% decrease over the past year. The peak value was 30 083 thousand US dollars in 2019, and the largest increase of 107.5% was observed in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Syria, Italy, and Greece remained the main destinations for plum and sloe imports into Northern Africa in value terms. Syria accounted for 27.5% of imports, Italy for 24.3%, and Greece for 21.8%. Collectively, these three countries represented 73.5% of total import value.

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

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