MENA: Sweet Potato Market 2024

Sweet Potato Market Size in MENA

The MENA's sweet potato market rose remarkably to $X in 2021, increasing by 9.8% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Sweet Potato Production in MENA

In value terms, sweet potato production surged to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a moderate increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.8% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the production volume increased by 86% against the previous year. The level of production peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

The country with the largest volume of sweet potato production was Egypt (X tons), comprising approx. 89% of total volume. Moreover, sweet potato production in Egypt exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Israel (X tons), more than tenfold.

In Egypt, sweet potato production increased at an average annual rate of +5.4% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Israel (+7.8% per year) and Syrian Arab Republic (-1.8% per year).

In 2021, the average yield of sweet potatoes in MENA declined to X tons per ha, waning by -9.4% against the year before. Over the period under review, the yield showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 5.8%. The level of yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the yield stood at a somewhat lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, the harvested area of sweet potatoes in MENA skyrocketed to X ha, picking up by 24% against the previous year. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +4.9% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the harvested area increased by 40%. The level of harvested area peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Sweet Potato Exports

Exports in MENA

For the fourth consecutive year, MENA recorded growth in overseas shipments of sweet potatoes, which increased by 14% to X tons in 2021. Overall, exports recorded a significant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 239% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, sweet potato exports soared to $X in 2021. In general, exports recorded a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 124% against the previous year. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

Egypt prevails in exports structure, reaching X tons, which was near 97% of total exports in 2021. Israel (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Egypt was also the fastest-growing in terms of the sweet potatoes exports, with a CAGR of +29.4% from 2012 to 2021. Israel (-7.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Egypt (+22 p.p.) and Israel (+1.7 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Egypt ($X) remains the largest sweet potato supplier in MENA, comprising 96% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Israel ($X), with a 2.9% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Egypt stood at +28.0%.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in MENA stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 6.9% against the previous year. Overall, the export price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the export price increased by 79%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Israel ($X per ton), while Egypt amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Israel (+0.5%).

Sweet Potato Imports

Imports in MENA

After five years of growth, supplies from abroad of sweet potatoes decreased by -83.9% to X tons in 2021. Over the period under review, imports saw a abrupt contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 425%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sweet potato imports shrank significantly to $X in 2021. In general, imports recorded a deep reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 93% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2020, and then fell sharply in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Lebanon (X tons), Oman (X tons) and Qatar (X tons) was the largest importer of sweet potatoes in MENA, achieving 86% of total import. It was distantly followed by Turkey (X tons), constituting a 12% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Turkey (with a CAGR of +63.1%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest sweet potato importing markets in MENA were Qatar ($X), Oman ($X) and Lebanon ($X), together accounting for 87% of total imports. Turkey lagged somewhat behind, accounting for a further 9.9%.

Among the main importing countries, Turkey, with a CAGR of +51.3%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in MENA stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 3.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a slight decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the import price increased by 149%. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Qatar (+8.5%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform