Africa: Carob Market 2024

Carob Market Size in Africa

After two years of growth, the African carob market decreased by -32.2% to $X in 2022. Overall, consumption, however, enjoyed a strong increase. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Carob Production in Africa

In value terms, carob production expanded significantly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, continues to indicate significant growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 139%. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Morocco (X tons) constituted the country with the largest volume of carob production, accounting for 67% of total volume. Moreover, carob production in Morocco exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Algeria (X tons), threefold. Tunisia (X tons) ranked third in terms of total production with a 5.1% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume in Morocco was relatively modest. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Algeria (+7.6% per year) and Tunisia (+7.0% per year).

The average carob yield dropped remarkably to X tons per ha in 2022, waning by -37.6% compared with 2021. The yield indicated a mild increase from 2012 to 2022: its figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 54%. Over the period under review, the carob yield hit record highs at X tons per ha in 2021, and then dropped notably in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, approx. X ha of carob were harvested in Africa; approximately mirroring 2021. In general, the harvested area showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the harvested area increased by 1.5%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to carob production reached the peak figure at X ha in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Carob Exports

Exports in Africa

In 2022, the amount of carob exported in Africa reduced remarkably to X tons, shrinking by -31.6% compared with 2021 figures. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a significant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 259%. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2021, and then contracted remarkably in the following year.

In value terms, carob exports contracted significantly to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, saw a significant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when exports increased by 725%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2021, and then contracted markedly in the following year.

Exports by Country

Morocco represented the key exporter of carob in Africa, with the volume of exports recording X tons, which was approx. 82% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Algeria (X tons), constituting a 14% share of total exports. Tunisia (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Exports from Morocco increased at an average annual rate of +6.2% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Tunisia (+47.2%) and Algeria (+7.7%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Tunisia emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Africa, with a CAGR of +47.2% from 2012-2022. While the share of Morocco (+82 p.p.) and Tunisia (+2.1 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2022, the share of Algeria (-47 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Morocco ($X) remains the largest carob supplier in Africa, comprising 95% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Algeria ($X), with a 4.2% share of total exports.

In Morocco, carob exports increased at an average annual rate of +25.7% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Algeria (+19.8% per year) and Tunisia (+38.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2022, remaining stable against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, recorded prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the export price increased by 130% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2021, and then fell modestly in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Morocco ($X per ton), while Tunisia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Morocco (+18.3%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Carob Imports

Imports in Africa

In 2022, overseas purchases of carob increased by 11% to X tons, rising for the fifth consecutive year after two years of decline. In general, imports enjoyed a significant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when imports increased by 162%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, carob imports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports posted a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by 180% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

Morocco represented the main importer of carob in Africa, with the volume of imports amounting to X tons, which was near 59% of total imports in 2022. Algeria (X tons) took a 25% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Egypt (15%).

Morocco was also the fastest-growing in terms of the carob imports, with a CAGR of +61.9% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Algeria (+16.5%) and Egypt (+3.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. From 2012 to 2022, the share of Morocco and Egypt increased by +59 and +15 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, Morocco ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported carob in Africa, comprising 89% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Algeria ($X), with a 5.8% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Morocco totaled +69.8%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Algeria (+10.9% per year) and Egypt (-4.6% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, rising by 85% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price continues to indicate a prominent expansion. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Morocco ($X per ton), while Algeria ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Morocco (+4.9%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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