Note: This article was AI-translated from Arabic and is currently under manual review. The author is not responsible for any translation errors. Please refer to the original Arabic text for the most accurate and authoritative information.
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:
Algeria: It topped the list of countries consuming soy oil with a consumption volume of 908.5 thousand metric tons, indicating a heavy reliance on this oil in cooking and food industries.
Egypt: It came in second place with a consumption volume of 637.5 thousand metric tons, a figure that reflects the large population and the role of soy oil in the Egyptian food market.
Morocco: It recorded a consumption estimated at 474.8 thousand metric tons, indicating increasing demand for soy oil.
Tunisia and Iraq: Consumption levels were lower compared to Algeria and Egypt, with Tunisia consuming 138.4 thousand metric tons and Iraq 104.9 thousand metric tons.
Soy oil production
Local production of soy oil is an important factor in strengthening 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 local demand.
Algeria: It recorded a production of 243.7 thousand metric tons, highlighting its role as a key player in the region.
Iraq and Saudi Arabia: Iraq's production reached 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.
Soy oil imports
Most Arab countries rely on importing soy oil to meet local demand. The following graph shows the volume of imports:
Algeria: It recorded the highest imports at 720.1 thousand metric tons, reflecting the gap between production and consumption.
Morocco: It came in second place with imports of 474.6 thousand metric tons, indicating a 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).
Soy oil exports analysis
Recent 2023 data shows the volume of soy oil exports from Arab countries, where total exports reached 284 thousand metric tons. The following table shows the distribution of exports among countries:
Iraq: It topped the list of exporting countries with exports of 113 thousand metric tons, reflecting its role as a major producer in the region.
Saudi Arabia: It came in second place with exports of 63 thousand metric tons.
Egypt: It recorded exports of 61 thousand metric tons.
UAE: The UAE recorded exports of 23 thousand metric tons.
Oman: Its exports reached 10 thousand metric tons.
Morocco: It recorded 8 thousand metric tons.
Algeria and Tunisia: Very low exports, at 5 thousand metric tons and 1 thousand metric tons respectively.
Data analysis
These figures show that Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Egypt are the main players in soy oil exports within the region. Meanwhile, exports remain relatively low in countries such as Algeria and Tunisia, indicating a greater focus on domestic consumption.
Factors affecting soy oil consumption and production
Population: Countries with high population density such as Algeria and Egypt record higher levels of consumption.
Dietary trends: Increased use of vegetable oils in cooking and food industries contributes to raising demand for soy oil.
Imports and production: Heavy reliance on imports highlights the need to improve local production.
Future outlook
With continued population growth and improving 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 given its health benefits.
Conclusion
The consumption and production of soy oil in Arab countries reflects the importance of this oil as an essential element in the food system and food industries. By improving local production and reducing dependence on imports, countries can strengthen their food security in the future.
