Capsicum and pimenta fruits market in Côte d'Ivoire

Earlier Report Observations

The market for capsicum and pimenta fruits in Côte d'Ivoire showed initial stability from 2018 to 2019, with market size at 27 180 tons and 26 985 tons respectively. In 2018, the government's rehabilitation of the Guingréni civic service and development center supported the local agri-food sector, potentially bolstering domestic vegetable production. In 2019, broader agricultural import dependence was evident, with traditional milk production covering only a fraction of consumption, indicating a structural reliance on imports that also affected vegetable markets. By 2020, the market began to expand, reaching 28 217 tons, and this growth accelerated sharply through 2023.

Between 2021 and 2023, market volume surged from 30 903 tons to 40 141 tons, driven primarily by a steep rise in imports, which increased from 317 tons in 2018 to 13 783 tons in 2023. A key regulatory measure in March 2022 introduced price caps on certain mass-consumption goods, aiming to control domestic prices and protect consumers. Simultaneously, the National Council for the Fight against High Cost of Living launched weekly price monitoring for fresh produce in major cities, enhancing market transparency and likely supporting demand growth.

Domestic production remained steady at around 27 000–28 000 tons throughout the period, indicating that the market expansion was largely met by imported supply. By 2024, local supply-demand dynamics led to observed price increases for vegetable products, including peppers, in markets such as Sikensi.

Production capsicum and pimenta fruits in Côte d'Ivoire

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

World map of production of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, capsicum and pimenta fruit production in Côte d'Ivoire declined. In 2020, production remained relatively stable at 27 354 tonnes, showing little change from the previous year. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 27 384 tonnes, which represented a 1.3% increase from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports capsicum and pimenta fruits from Côte d'Ivoire

Exports in kind, t

Côte d'Ivoire's capsicum and pimenta fruit exports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 2 561 tonnes, which represents a 145.5% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 67 571.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 777.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Guinea and Liberia were the dominant markets for Côte d'Ivoire's capsicum and pimenta fruit exports, together accounting for 99.7% of total export volumes.

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

World map of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Côte d'Ivoire's capsicum and pimenta fruit export value has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value reached 232.8 thousand US dollars, marking a 157.5% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 25 649.3%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 536.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Guinea and Liberia were the primary destinations for Côte d'Ivoire's capsicum and pimenta fruit exports in value terms, together representing 97.7% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020

Imports capsicum and pimenta fruits to Côte d'Ivoire

Imports in kind, t

Côte d'Ivoire's capsicum and pimenta fruit imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 3 423 tonnes, reflecting a 431.4% year-over-year increase. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 1 262.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 138.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Burkina Faso and Mali were the main sources of capsicum and pimenta fruit imports to Côte d'Ivoire, together accounting for 91.1% of total import volumes. Other trading partners each contributed significantly smaller shares.

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

World map of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Côte d'Ivoire's capsicum and pimenta fruit import value has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, import value reached 551.7 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp 130.5% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 206.7%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 45.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Burkina Faso (27.9% of import value), Spain (21.6% of import value), and the Netherlands (15.5% of import value) were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of capsicum and pimenta fruit imports to Côte d'Ivoire in value terms, together accounting for 65.0% of total import value.

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

World map of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020