Almonds market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the almond market in Africa expanded from 299 thousand tons to 327 thousand tons. This growth aligned with a rise in the consumption of ultra-processed foods across the continent, as the westernization of diets and changing socio-economic conditions made such products more accessible. Almonds, often used as an ingredient in ultra-processed foods, experienced increased demand, reflected in both higher domestic production and rising imports.

The market accelerated sharply in 2021, reaching 378 thousand tons, a 15% increase from the prior year. Growth continued through 2022 to 398 thousand tons before stabilizing near 400 thousand tons in 2023. Over this period, imports remained a key supply source, doubling since 2020, while exports saw modest growth.

By 2024, the market context featured significant intra-African trade in agricultural products and a decline in fertilizer prices from their 2022 peaks, which likely reduced production costs. Consumer preferences continued to shift toward more accessible products, with the sustained influence of ultra-processed options underpinning underlying demand for almonds.

Production almonds in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of almonds, 2017-2020

World map of production of almonds, 2017-2020

Africa's almond production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the continent produced 296.6 thousand tonnes of almonds, representing a modest 1.4% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a minimal decrease of 0.0%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2019 at 2.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports almonds from Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market for almond exports from Africa experienced notable fluctuations during this period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 866 tonnes, while the highest stood in 2017, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 13.6 times. In 2020, Africa's almond exports totalled 2 595 tonnes, showing a slight decline of 4.3% compared to the previous year. The largest decrease occurred in 2018 at 92.6%, whereas the most substantial increase was observed in 2019 at 45.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

The export market for almonds from Africa was highly diversified between 2017 and 2020. Denmark accounted for 27.9% of exports in kind, India for 4.5%, and the United States for 3.4%, collectively representing just 35.8% of total flows. The remaining 64.2% was distributed among numerous other countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, Africa's almond exports in value terms rebounded. In 2020, exports reached 13.1 million US dollars, marking a significant gain of 21.9% compared to the previous year. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 58.1%, equating to an average annual decline of 25.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 10.7 million US dollars, with the largest drop occurring in 2018 at 65.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the value of almond exports from Africa was widely dispersed across partner countries. The United States accounted for 23.3% of exports in value terms, the Netherlands for 14.6%, and Denmark for 10.4%, together representing only 48.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports almonds to Africa

Imports in kind, t

Africa's almond imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 33 387 tonnes, showing a sharp rise of 50.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 103.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 26.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 15 621 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in the same year at 4.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the dominant source for almond imports to Africa, accounting for 69.5% of imports in kind. Turkey contributed 7.2%, and Spain 5.6%, with these three countries jointly making up 82.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Africa's almond imports in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 192.0 million US dollars, marking a sharp rise of 33.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 118%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 29.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In the period from 2017 to 2020, the United States concentrated 72.3% of total almond imports to Africa in value terms, with the remaining flows scattered across multiple smaller partners.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Africa in value, 2017-2020