Saudi Arabia: Potato Market 2025

Potato Market Size in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi potato market surged to $X in 2021, growing by 33% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption saw a strong increase. Potato consumption peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Potato Production in Saudi Arabia

In value terms, potato production soared to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, recorded a strong increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 77% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The average yield of potatoes in Saudi Arabia totaled X tons per ha in 2021, approximately reflecting the previous year. In general, the yield, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the yield increased by 5.2%. The potato 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.

The potato harvested area in Saudi Arabia dropped slightly to X ha in 2021, stabilizing at the previous year. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 12% against the previous year. The potato harvested area peaked at X ha in 2020, and then declined modestly in the following year.

Potato Exports

Exports from Saudi Arabia

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas shipments of potatoes, when their volume decreased by -26.9% to X tons. In general, exports faced a precipitous slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when exports increased by 99% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, potato exports fell remarkably to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports faced a dramatic decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 57% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Bahrain (X tons) was the main destination for potato exports from Saudi Arabia, accounting for a approx. 6.3% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Bahrain totaled -21.8%.

In value terms, Bahrain ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for potato exports from Saudi Arabia.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Bahrain amounted to -15.4%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average potato export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 6.4% against the previous year. In general, the export price saw a noticeable expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the average export price increased by 118%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, 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 Bahrain.

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for the United Arab Emirates amounted to +18.7% per year.

Potato Imports

Imports into Saudi Arabia

Potato imports into Saudi Arabia soared to X tons in 2021, growing by 88% compared with the previous year. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a measured expansion. Imports peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, potato imports soared to $X in 2021. In general, total imports indicated noticeable growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports decreased by -19.6% against 2019 indices. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons), Syrian Arab Republic (X tons) and India (X tons) were the main suppliers of potato imports to Saudi Arabia, with a combined 64% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by India (with a CAGR of +67.0%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) constituted the largest supplier of potato to Saudi Arabia, comprising 37% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Syrian Arab Republic ($X), with a 16% share of total imports. It was followed by India, with a 12% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from the Netherlands was relatively modest. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Syrian Arab Republic (+18.7% per year) and India (+54.8% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average potato import price amounted to $X per ton, declining by -18.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 an increase of 28%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2021, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the price for Syrian Arab Republic ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Lebanon (+6.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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