MENA: Areca Nut Market 2025

Areca Nut Market Size in MENA

The MENA's areca nut market was estimated at $X in 2022, picking up by 1.6% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated a tangible increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -1.3% against 2020 indices. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2021 to 2022, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Areca Nut Production in MENA

In value terms, areca nut production expanded remarkably to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the production volume increased by 31% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2022, production growth remained at a lower figure.

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2022 were Jordan (X tons), Kuwait (X tons) and Syrian Arab Republic (X tons), together comprising 92% of total production. Oman lagged somewhat behind, comprising a further 6.8%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Oman (with a CAGR of +3.9%), while production for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Areca Nut Exports

Exports in MENA

In 2022, exports of areca nuts in MENA dropped notably to X tons, with a decrease of -46.1% compared with the previous year. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate significant growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when exports increased by 1,801% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X tons in 2021, and then reduced notably in the following year.

In value terms, areca nut exports dropped dramatically to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, saw significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 538%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X, and then reduced dramatically in the following year.

Exports by Country

In 2022, the United Arab Emirates (X tons) represented the largest exporter of areca nuts in MENA, generating 99% of total export.

The United Arab Emirates was also the fastest-growing in terms of the areca nuts exports, with a CAGR of +22.6% from 2012 to 2022. The shares of the largest exporters remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) also remains the largest areca nut supplier in MENA.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in the United Arab Emirates amounted to +36.6%.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MENA stood at $X per ton in 2022, standing approx. at the previous year. In general, the export price, however, saw a strong increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 711%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for the United Arab Emirates.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for the United Arab Emirates amounted to +11.4% per year.

Areca Nut Imports

Imports in MENA

In 2022, purchases abroad of areca nuts decreased by -0.4% to X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Total imports indicated perceptible growth from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +115.1% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when imports increased by 105% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2021, and then dropped in the following year.

In value terms, areca nut imports reached $X in 2022. Total imports indicated a noticeable expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports decreased by -0.4% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 107%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2021 to 2022, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Iran (X tons) was the key importer of areca nuts, making up 68% of total imports. It was distantly followed by the United Arab Emirates (X tons), generating a 28% share of total imports. Saudi Arabia (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Iran experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of imports of areca nuts. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates (+36.6%) and Saudi Arabia (+34.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, the United Arab Emirates emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in MENA, with a CAGR of +36.6% from 2012-2022. The United Arab Emirates (+26 p.p.) and Saudi Arabia (+2 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Iran saw its share reduced by -29.5% from 2012 to 2022, respectively.

In value terms, Iran ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported areca nuts in MENA, comprising 88% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with an 11% share of total imports.

In Iran, areca nut imports increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United Arab Emirates (+38.8% per year) and Saudi Arabia (+6.5% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in MENA stood at $X per ton in 2022, remaining constant against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, continues to indicate a noticeable decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the import price increased by 27% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Iran ($X per ton), while Saudi Arabia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (+1.6%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform