Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Production of fresh or chilled pumpkins, squash and gourds in Northern Africa remained relatively stable from 2018 to 2020, averaging around 1 160 thousand tons per year. Market volume followed a similar path, sustained by steady consumption demand across Africa, particularly in key markets like Egypt, Algeria, and Malawi. However, a contraction occurred in 2021, with production falling to 1 042 thousand tons and market size dropping to 1 000 thousand tons.

A strong recovery began in 2022 as production jumped to 1 361 thousand tons and market volume reached 1 313 thousand tons, driven primarily by a peak in pumpkin yield that boosted harvests. The upward trend accelerated in 2023, with production surging to 1 973 thousand tons and the market expanding to 1 922 thousand tons, supported by continuing demand growth across the continent and active intra-African trade, where Morocco served as a leading exporter.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

Northern Africa's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the region produced 1 158 thousand tons, showing little change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 4.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 161 thousand tons, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 4.4%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, t

Northern Africa's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 41 011 tons, representing a significant 22.3% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 19.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 6.2%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 57 796 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 68.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Spain, and Mauritania formed the core markets for Northern Africa's pumpkin, squash, and gourd exports. France accounted for 48.6% of exports, Spain for 27.2%, and Mauritania for 6.4%. Together, these three countries represented 82.1% of total export flows.

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

The export value data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Volumes varied 2.1 times between the low in 2017 and the high in 2018. In 2020, Northern Africa's pumpkin, squash, and gourd exports amounted to 34 879 thousand US dollars, representing a significant 22.1% decrease from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 45 117 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 108.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, France, Spain, and Germany remained the main buyers of Northern Africa's pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms. France accounted for 50.8% of export value, Spain for 29.1%, and Germany for 6.6%. Collectively, these three markets represented 86.5% 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 pumpkins, squash and gourds to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, t

Import data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a 690-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Northern Africa imported 555 tons of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, representing a dramatic 68,902.8% increase compared to the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at just 1 ton, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 60.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Spain was the primary supplier of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to Northern Africa, consistently accounting for 0.7% of total imports in volume terms.

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

Volatility characterized the import market during these years. Import values dropped to their minimum in 2019 and climbed to their maximum in 2020, with a 391-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Northern Africa's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds amounted to 531 thousand US dollars, reflecting a dramatic 39,046.7% increase compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 81.6%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Spain clearly led the import structure in value terms, accounting for 1.0% of total import 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