Bran, sharps and residues from cereal or legume processing market in Eastern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for bran, sharps, and residues from cereal processing in Eastern Africa saw its physical volume grow from 3 698 thousand tons in 2018 to 3 854 thousand tons by 2023, following a period of stabilization and subsequent expansion. Initial stability was supported by the price support and storage functions of the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), alongside a vast milling sector comprising around 150 large mills and thousands of small-to-medium operations that ensured steady processing activity. The adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, which encouraged the use of crop residues for mulching, began contributing to more efficient utilization of these by-products from 2019 onward. While the COVID-19 pandemic affected supply chains in 2020, government policies focused on food security and local processing helped maintain market volume at 3 717 thousand tons.

A significant jump in market volume to 3 984 thousand tons occurred in 2021, driven by the entry of new players into the cereal processing sector who brought a focus on innovation and sustainability. This expansion was further facilitated by the implementation of new regulations on labeling and traceability for agricultural products, which improved market standards. Changes in market access policies also made it easier to commercialize processing residues. In 2022, the market volume experienced a slight correction to 3 967 thousand tons. During this period, strengthened sustainability and agricultural waste management policies promoted the growth of new product segments, such as feed production from residues, while fluctuations in global grain prices contributed to a notable decline in the market's value, which fell to $876 million US.

By 2023, the physical market volume had adjusted further to 3 854 thousand tons. Production in kind continued its upward trend to 4 721 thousand tons, but increased exports of 910 thousand tons reduced domestic availability. The market's value continued to contract, reaching $683 million US, reflecting ongoing price pressures within the sector.

Production bran, sharps and residues from cereal or legume processing in Eastern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of bran, sharps and residues from cereal or legume processing, 2017-2020

World map of production of bran, sharps and residues from cereal or legume processing, 2017-2020

After two consecutive years of growth, production of bran, sharps, and residues from cereal or legume processing in Eastern Africa experienced a decline. In 2020, the region produced 4 266 K t of these products, marking a slight year-over-year decrease of 1.6%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 4.7%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 4 334 K t, with the largest annual increase of 4.0% also occurring that year.

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

Exports bran, sharps and residues from cereal or legume processing from Eastern Africa

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Eastern Africa exported 593.9 K t of bran, sharps, and residues from cereal or legume processing, representing an 8.0% decrease compared to 2019. The lowest export volume during this period was in 2018 at 590.2 K t, while the peak was in 2019 at 645.6 K t. The most significant annual increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 9.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure for these products in Eastern Africa remained highly diversified. Vietnam accounted for 16.3% of exports in kind, the United Arab Emirates for 15.7%, and Oman for 11.2%. Together, these three countries represented only 43.1% of total export flows, with the remaining 56.9% distributed among a wide range of smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

For the second year in a row, the value of bran, sharps, and residues from cereal or legume processing exports from Eastern Africa declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 114.1 M $ US, reflecting a significant year-over-year reduction of 17.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 9.3%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 3.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 169.9 M $ US. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 18.7%, while the most substantial increase was in 2018 at 62.9%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, the country breakdown of exports in value terms showed a scattered distribution. Vietnam held 25.3% of exports in value terms, the United Arab Emirates 9.4%, and Qatar 8.1%. Combined, these three partners accounted for just 42.8% of total flows, with no single country emerging as clearly dominant.

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

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

Imports bran, sharps and residues from cereal or legume processing to Eastern Africa

Imports in kind, K t

The import market for these products in Eastern Africa displayed an unstable trend over the timeframe. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 28.5 K t and peaked in 2017, with a sevenfold difference between these years. In 2020, imports were recorded at 44.9 K t, showing a substantial year-over-year increase of 57.3%. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 76.5%.

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

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, the value of bran, sharps, and residues from cereal or legume processing imports into Eastern Africa increased. In 2020, imports reached 9.8 M $ US, up 23.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 74.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -36.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 7.9 M $ US, and the largest annual decline occurred that same year at 64.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany remained the key partner for imports in value terms of bran, sharps, and residues from cereal or legume processing to Eastern Africa, accounting for 1.4% of total import flows.

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

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