Middle East: Frozen Cuttlefishes Market 2025

Frozen Cuttlefishes Market Size in the Middle East

The Middle Eastern frozen cuttlefishes market expanded rapidly to $X in 2021, surging by 8.8% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated a prominent increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +8.4% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +10.5% against 2018 indices. The level of consumption peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Frozen Cuttlefishes Production in the Middle East

In value terms, frozen cuttlefishes production rose remarkably to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a moderate expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.9% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -7.2% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the production volume increased by 16%. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Frozen Cuttlefishes Exports

Exports in the Middle East

For the third consecutive year, the Middle East recorded decline in overseas shipments of frozen cuttlefishes, which decreased by -29.8% to X tons in 2021. In general, exports recorded a precipitous curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when exports increased by 54% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, frozen cuttlefishes exports shrank dramatically to $X in 2021. Overall, exports recorded a sharp setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when exports increased by 58% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Saudi Arabia (X tons), distantly followed by Bahrain (X tons), Iran (X tons), Oman (X tons), the United Arab Emirates (X tons), Yemen (X tons) and Turkey (X tons) were the key exporters of frozen cuttlefishes, together constituting 100% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exporting countries, was attained by Saudi Arabia (with a CAGR of +9.3%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the exports figures.

In value terms, the largest frozen cuttlefishes supplying countries in the Middle East were Oman ($X), Bahrain ($X) and Saudi Arabia ($X), with a combined 51% share of total exports.

Among the main exporting countries, Saudi Arabia, with a CAGR of +2.5%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced a decline in the exports figures.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in the Middle East stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 11% against the previous year. Overall, the export price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 33%. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while Saudi Arabia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (+7.6%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Frozen Cuttlefishes Imports

Imports in the Middle East

In 2021, overseas purchases of frozen cuttlefishes decreased by -18% to X tons, falling for the sixth year in a row after two years of growth. Over the period under review, imports faced a significant contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, frozen cuttlefishes imports reduced to $X in 2021. Overall, imports faced a significant curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 34%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

The purchases of the five major importers of frozen cuttlefishes, namely Lebanon, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan and Israel, represented more than two-thirds of total import. The United Arab Emirates (X tons) took the next position in the ranking, followed by Bahrain (X tons) and Turkey (X tons). All these countries together held approx. 19% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Jordan (with a CAGR of +33.4%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

In value terms, the largest frozen cuttlefishes importing markets in the Middle East were Lebanon ($X), Kuwait ($X) and Israel ($X), together accounting for 52% of total imports. These countries were followed by Oman, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Turkey, which together accounted for a further 43%.

Jordan, with a CAGR of +29.1%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in the Middle East amounted to $X per ton, surging by 10% against the previous year. Over the last nine-year period, it increased at an average annual rate of +4.3%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 an increase of 20% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (+6.9%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :