Soy oil is one of the essential vegetable oils that are widely used in cooking and food industries. It is the second largest vegetable oil produced after palm oil. This article sheds light on the supply and demand of soy oil in the Arab world for the year 2023.
Soy oil consumption
Depending on the available data, there is a significant disparity in soy oil consumption among Arab countries. The following graph shows the volume of consumption per country:
Algiers: It topped the list of countries consuming soy oil with a consumption volume of 908.5 thousand metric tons, indicating a high dependence on this oil in cooking and food industries.
Egypt: It ranked second with a consumption volume of 637.5 thousand metric tons, a figure that reflects the large population size and the role of soy oil in the Egyptian food market.
Morocco: It recorded an estimated consumption of 474.8 thousand metric tons, indicating the increasing demand for soy oil.
Tunisia and Iraq: Consumption levels were lower compared to Algeria and Egypt. Consumption in Tunisia was 138.4 thousand metric tons and in Iraq 104.9 thousand metric tons.
Soy oil production
Local production of soy oil is an important factor in enhancing food security and reducing dependence on imports. The following graph shows production levels:
Egypt: It topped production with a volume of 383.9 thousand metric tons, reflecting its ability to meet a large part of domestic demand.
Algiers: It recorded a production of 243.7 thousand metric tons, highlighting its role as a major player in the region.
Iraq and Saudi Arabia: Iraq produced 152.6 thousand metric tons, while Saudi Arabia recorded 89.2 thousand metric tons.
Other countries: Production levels varied in other countries such as Tunisia, Oman and Lebanon, while production was limited in Morocco and Syria.
Soya oil imports
Most Arab countries rely on importing soy oil to meet local demand. The following graph shows the volume of imports:
Algiers: The highest imports were recorded at 720.1 thousand metric tons, reflecting a gap between production and consumption.
Morocco: It ranked second with imports of 474.6 thousand metric tons, indicating its heavy dependence on imports.
Egypt: It imported 296.9 thousand metric tons, despite being the largest regional producer.
Other countries: Imports included smaller quantities in countries such as Iraq (46.3 thousand metric tons) and the UAE (43.5 thousand metric tons).
Analysis of soy oil exports
Recent data for 2023 show the volume of soy oil exports from Arab countries, with total exports reaching 284 thousand metric tons. The following table shows the distribution of exports between countries:
Iraq: It topped the list of exporting countries with an export volume of 113 thousand metric tons, reflecting its role as a major producer in the region.
Saudi Arabia: It ranked second with exports of 63,000 metric tons.
Egypt: Exports of 61 thousand metric tons were recorded.
Emirates: The UAE recorded exports of 23 thousand metric tons.
Oman: Its exports amounted to 10 thousand metric tons.
Morocco: It recorded 8 thousand metric tons.
Algeria and Tunisia: Very low exports of 5 thousand metric tons and 1 thousand metric tons respectively.
Data analysis
These figures show that Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Egypt are the major players in the export of soy oil within the region. Exports remain relatively low in countries such as Algeria and Tunisia, indicating a greater focus on domestic consumption.
Factors affecting the consumption and production of soy oil
Population: High-population countries such as Algeria and Egypt are recording higher levels of consumption.
Dietary trends: Increasing the use of vegetable oils in cooking and food industries contributes to raising demand for soy oil.
Imports and production: The heavy dependence on imports highlights the need to improve local production.
Future expectations
With continued population growth and improved income levels, demand for soy oil in the Arab world is expected to increase. The trend towards healthy foods may also boost demand for this type of oil due to its health benefits.
Epilogue
The consumption and production of soy oil in the Arab countries reflects the importance of this oil as a key element in the diet and food industries. By improving domestic production and reducing dependence on imports, countries can enhance their food security in the future.
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