Virgin olive oil and fractions market in Libya

Earlier Report Observations

Following the 2017 ban on olive oil exports, which directed all domestic production to the local market, Libya's virgin olive oil market volume declined from 17 772 t in 2018 to 16 386 t in 2019. This contraction was primarily driven by a drop in production, attributed to reliance on traditional methods, limited agricultural resources, and increasing logistical challenges within supply chains.

Market volume gradually recovered, reaching 17 623 t in 2021, supported by a rise in imports while production remained stable at around 17 000 t. During this period, the industry achieved several quality milestones: the International Olive Council accredited laboratories in Tripoli, Libyan producers won awards at the Berlin competition, and processing capacity was expanded, enhancing the sector's international reputation and infrastructure potential.

The market saw extreme volatility in the subsequent years. In 2022, volume skyrocketed to 24 678 t due to a massive influx of imports, coinciding with Libyan olive oil winning a gold medal in Turkey and the country strengthening its role in the International Olive Council. However, by 2023, the market collapsed to 15 998 t as imports ceased and production fell to 16 000 t, even as national quality competitions were launched to unify standards.

Production virgin olive oil and fractions in Libya

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Libya ranked as the 17th largest producer of virgin olive oil and fractions globally.

Top producers of virgin olive oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of virgin olive oil and fractions, 2017-2020

Libya's production of virgin olive oil and fractions increased in 2020 after a two-year decline. The country produced 17 000 tonnes that year, marking a 2.4% rise compared to 2019. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, however, production fell by 5.6%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 1.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 16 600 tonnes, with the steepest year-on-year drop of 4.0% occurring that same year.

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

Exports virgin olive oil and fractions from Libya

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Libya exported 188.5 tonnes of virgin olive oil and fractions, representing a 28.8% decrease from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tunisia accounted for virtually all of Libya's exports of virgin olive oil and fractions in volume terms, with a 100.0% share of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Libya's virgin olive oil and fractions exports in 2020 was 270 thousand US dollars, down 32.6% from 2019.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Tunisia dominated Libya's export structure in value terms, consistently representing 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports virgin olive oil and fractions to Libya

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed significant volatility between 2017 and 2020. The lowest level was recorded in 2020 at 39.1 tonnes, a 23.2% drop from 2019. In contrast, imports peaked in 2018 at 472.1 tonnes. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, falling by 89.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018, surging by 946.6%. Overall, import levels fluctuated 12.1-fold between the 2018 high and the 2020 low.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tunisia was the leading source for Libya's imports of virgin olive oil and fractions in volume terms, accounting for 79.7% of total flows, with the remainder distributed among other partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values displayed considerable instability during the 2017-2020 period. In 2020, Libya imported 168 thousand US dollars worth of virgin olive oil and fractions, a 27.9% decrease year-over-year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 127 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline took place in 2019, dropping by 89.1%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 868.0%. Overall, import values fluctuated 12.7-fold between the 2018 peak and the 2020 trough.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Tunisia remained the dominant source for Libya's imports of virgin olive oil and fractions in value terms, with a 78.9% share of total flows, while other markets accounted for the fragmented remainder.

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

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