Butter, dairy spreads and milk fats market in Middle Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for butter, dairy spreads and milk fats in Middle Africa experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. After starting at 5 228 t in 2018, it fell to 4 621 t in 2019 and further to 4 339 t in 2020. A sharp recovery followed in 2021, with the market expanding by 33% to reach 5 758 t. This was followed by a contraction to 4 862 t in 2022 before a modest rebound to 5 057 t in 2023.

Domestic production showed a steady upward trend over the period, rising from 2 103 t in 2018 to 2 463 t in 2023. In contrast, import volumes varied more widely, dropping from 3 134 t in 2018 to 1 994 t in 2020, then surging to 3 405 t in 2021. Exports remained minimal until 2023, with negligible impact on market size.

Preliminary data for 2024 shows import volumes of 3 334 t and export volumes of 475 t, indicating increased external trade activity.

Production butter, dairy spreads and milk fats in Middle Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of butter, dairy spreads and milk fats, 2017-2020

World map of production of butter, dairy spreads and milk fats, 2017-2020

Middle Africa's production of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 2 357 tons, marking a steady increase of 7.6% from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 14.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.7%.

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

Exports butter, dairy spreads and milk fats from Middle Africa

Exports in kind, t

The export market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports varied by a factor of 2.6, reaching their lowest point in 2017 and peaking in 2020. In 2020, Middle Africa exported 12 tons of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats, which represents a sharp rise of 72.6% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 17.3%, while the biggest increase was recorded in 2018, at 79.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, South Africa, and the Bahamas were the key partners for exports in kind. France accounted for 2.2% of exports, South Africa for 0.5%, and the Bahamas for 0.5%. Together, these three countries made up 3.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations over this period. Import levels varied by a factor of 9.9, with the low in 2017 and the high in 2019. In 2020, Middle Africa's export value for butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats was 54 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp decline of 78.7% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 252 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 427.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, exports in value terms from Middle Africa were widely dispersed across partner countries. France contributed 9.7% of exports in value, the Bahamas 1.8%, and Namibia 1.5%. Combined, these three countries represented only 13.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports butter, dairy spreads and milk fats to Middle Africa

Imports in kind, t

Middle Africa's imports of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported approximately 1 994 tons, indicating a solid decrease of 18.2% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 74.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of decline of 36.4%.

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

During 2017–2020, Portugal, France, and Belgium were the main sources for imports in kind. Portugal accounted for 54.8% of imports, France for 23.3%, and Belgium for 6.9%. Together, these three countries comprised 85.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats into Middle Africa have decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the import value stood at 8 212 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a reduction of 19.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports dropped by 38.8%, with an annualized decline rate of 15.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Portugal, and Belgium were the largest contributors to imports in value terms. France made up 39.1% of imports, Portugal 38.5%, and Belgium 6.6%. Jointly, these three countries accounted for 84.2% of total import flows.

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

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