• Analysis and Studies
• Apricots: import and export

Apricots are a fruit with a rich and varied history, having origins that trace back to Armenia, Persia, India, and China. These fruits are particularly valued for their nutritional benefits when dried. Dried apricots are a concentrated source of vitamins A and C and dietary fiber, making them a beneficial addition to a balanced diet. The fiber content in apricots includes both soluble and insoluble types, which aid in maintaining digestive health. Additionally, apricots are rich in beta carotene, a compound that is essential for maintaining good eye health and helps in the absorption of vitamin C.

Mineral-wise, apricots are a potent source of potassium, which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure and overall cellular function. Historically, apricots were even considered to have aphrodisiac properties, indicating their revered status in various cultures. In modern times, apricot oil has found extensive use in both the cosmetics industry, due to its skin-nourishing properties, and in culinary applications.

In 2022, apricots were the world's 2989th most traded product, with a total trade of $471M.

 In 2022 the country which exported apricots the most was Spain with a trade of $117M, ahead of Turkey ($86M), Italy ($82M), France ($25.5M), and Greece ($21.7M). Whereas the most significant importer was Germany with a trade of $119M, followed by Russia ($80.3M), France ($23.2M), Austria ($19.1M), and Saudi Arabia ($17.9M).

These data show a mix of regional dependencies and diversification strategies, with European ties significantly influencing the export dynamics.

Spain and Italy have a diversified portfolio, focused on Europe, minimizing risk, whereas Turkey’s significant reliance on Russia, which received over two-thirds of its exports, makes it vulnerable despite smaller markets like Germany and Iraq. France and Greece also concentrated on European markets, with Germany being a major importer for both, while Greece had substantial trade within Eastern Europe.

1. Spain (24.9%): 36.4% Germany, 16.7% France, 9.69% Italy, 9.14% United Kingdom, 4.46% Belgium, 3.46% Poland, 3.04% Czechia, 2.9% Switzerland, 2.22% Austria
2. Turkey (18.3%): 67.3% Russia, 11.7% Germany, 4.79% Iraq, 2.6% Austria, 2.01% Romania, 1.3% Saudi Arabia, 1.16% Azerbaijan
3. Italy (17.4%): 48.8% Germany, 12.2% Austria, 6.27% Czechia, 5.4% Switzerland, 4.23% Poland, 2.63% France, 2.75% United Kingdom, 1.19% Belgium, 0.61% Canada
4. France (5.42%): 41.3% Germany, 14.5% Switzerland, 13.6% Belgium, 7.2% Italy, 4.95% United Kingdom, 3.35% Poland, 0.83% Czechia
5. Greece (4.6%): 20.8% Romania, 17.3% Germany, 12.8% Czechia, 11.3% Poland, 7.87% Bulgaria, 1.83% Egypt, 1.7% Cyprus

 These import trends show Germany's diversified approach, Russia's and France's reliance on key suppliers, Austria's balanced sourcing strategy, and Saudi Arabia's strong regional trade ties.

Germany emerges as the leading importer, sourcing mainly from Spain and Italy, with additional imports from several other countries to maintain diversity. Russia shows a significant dependency on Turkey, whereas France relies heavily on Spain. Austria maintains a balance by sourcing from Italy, Spain, and countries, while Saudi Arabia primarily imports from Jordan, underscoring a regional focus.

1. Germany (25.4%): 35.7% Spain, 33.5% Italy, 8.83% France, 8.41% Turkey, 6.87% Austria, 3.14% Greece
2. Russia (17.1%): 71% Turkey, 10.9% Armenia, 5.12% Uzbekistan, 3.79% Kyrgyzstan, 1.14% North Macedonia, 0.71% Serbia
3. France (4.93%): 84.1% Spain, 9.3% Italy, 4.28% Belgium
4. Austria (4.07%): 52.2% Italy, 13.6% Spain, 11.9% Germany, 11.7% Turkey, 3.44% Serbia, 0.61% France, 0.3% Greece
5. Saudi Arabia (3.81%): 78.6% Jordan, 10.9% United Arab Emirates, 6.22% Turkey, 2.23% South Africa, 0.4% Egypt, 0.21% Greece, 0.19% Spain

Between 2021 and 2022, the country which was a fastest growth in exports was Turkey, with an increase of $23M, followed by Italy ($13.7M), Afghanistan ($8.27M), Austria ($5.47M), and Armenia ($3.44M).

1. Turkey: from $63M to $86M
2. Italy: from $68.3M to $82M
3. Afghanistan: from $3.6M to $11.9M
4. Austria: from $4.48M to $9.95M
5. Armenia: from $5.72M to $9.16M

Whereas the imports grew the fastest in Russia, with an increase of $30.2M, ahead of Pakistan ($7.56M), Libya ($2.11M), Romania ($1.95M), and Czechia ($1.63M).

1. Russia: from $50.1M to 80.3M
2. Pakistan: from $2.82M to $10.4M
3. Libya: from $2.21M to $4.32M
4. Romania: from $8.37M to $10.3M
5. Czechia: from $11.8M to $13.4M

Sources: