Middle East: Couscous Market 2024

Couscous Market Size in the Middle East

The Middle Eastern couscous market declined modestly to $X in 2021, which is down by -4.1% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2020, and then reduced slightly in the following year.

Couscous Production in the Middle East

In value terms, couscous production rose slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 11% against the previous year. The level of production peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Couscous Exports

Exports in the Middle East

In 2021, overseas shipments of couscous increased by 62% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after four years of decline. In general, exports enjoyed a strong increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 100%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, couscous exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports posted a strong expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 93%. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

Turkey (X tons) and Israel (X tons) dominates exports structure, together committing 86% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Lebanon (X tons), achieving a 7.4% share of total exports. Palestine (X tons) took a minor share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the key exporting countries, was attained by Turkey (with a CAGR of +61.6%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Israel ($X), Turkey ($X) and Lebanon ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2021, with a combined 90% share of total exports.

In terms of the main exporting countries, Turkey, with a CAGR of +52.9%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in the Middle East stood at $X per ton in 2021, waning by -17.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price recorded a noticeable reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the export price increased by 12%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2021, the export prices remained at a somewhat 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 ($X per ton), while Turkey ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Israel (+0.4%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Couscous Imports

Imports in the Middle East

In 2021, couscous imports in the Middle East reached X tons, with an increase of 2.8% compared with the previous year's figure. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 19% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, couscous imports expanded modestly to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +4.9% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 26% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Israel was the major importer of couscous in the Middle East, with the volume of imports recording X tons, which was near 47% of total imports in 2021. The United Arab Emirates (X tons) held the second position in the ranking, followed by Saudi Arabia (X tons) and Qatar (X tons). All these countries together held near 46% share of total imports. Kuwait (X tons) and Palestine (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to couscous imports into Israel stood at +2.1%. At the same time, Qatar (+22.1%), Kuwait (+14.8%), Palestine (+6.7%), the United Arab Emirates (+5.9%) and Saudi Arabia (+2.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Qatar emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in the Middle East, with a CAGR of +22.1% from 2012-2021. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Palestine increased by +6.6, +2.8, +2.5 and +1.8 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, Israel ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported couscous in the Middle East, comprising 47% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United Arab Emirates ($X), with a 20% share of total imports. It was followed by Saudi Arabia, with an 18% share.

In Israel, couscous imports increased at an average annual rate of +3.7% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United Arab Emirates (+5.2% per year) and Saudi Arabia (+2.9% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in the Middle East stood at $X per ton in 2021, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. Overall, the import price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the import price increased by 15% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Kuwait ($X per ton), while Qatar ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Israel (+1.6%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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