Capsicum and pimenta fruits market in Tanzania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2024, the market for fresh or chilled capsicum and pimenta fruits in Tanzania contracted from 16 224 t to 15 136 t in 2019, primarily due to a surge in exports to 508 t alongside a dip in domestic production. This export jump aligned with the broader horticultural trend where vegetables, including capsicum and pimenta, led Tanzania's export volumes with 168 348 metric tonnes in the 2020/21 period, underscoring the segment's growing export potential. The market then stabilized around 15 800 t in the following years, with minor fluctuations.

The high export levels in 2019 and 2020, reaching 499 t, reflected the upward growth trajectory of Tanzania's vegetable exports since 2014. However, a key characteristic was the export of most produce in raw form, indicating limited value addition within the supply chain for these fruits. This period highlighted the sector's reliance on external demand, which significantly influenced domestic market volume.

In the later years up to 2024, production and market size remained steady without major regulatory shifts specific to capsicum and pimenta. Annual agriculture reports confirmed ongoing cultivation and export activities, while broader standardization efforts, like the 2024 draft standard for fresh apples, signaled continued development in fruit quality specifications, though not directly targeting this product.

Production capsicum and pimenta fruits in Tanzania

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

In 2018, Tanzania's production of capsicum and pimenta fruits reached its highest level at 16,272 tonnes, marking a 3.6% increase. The following year, 2019, saw production decline to 15,643 tonnes, representing a 3.9% drop. In 2020, production recovered slightly to 15,836 tonnes, showing a modest 1.2% increase compared to 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in Tanzania in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports capsicum and pimenta fruits from Tanzania

Exports in kind, t

The export market for capsicum and pimenta fruits showed considerable volatility during this period. In 2019, exports peaked at 507.7 tonnes, representing a dramatic 938.4% increase. The following year, 2020, saw exports decline to 498.9 tonnes, a 1.7% decrease from 2019. Throughout the timeframe, export volumes fluctuated significantly, with a 17-fold difference between the high in 2019 and the low in 2017.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Tanzania's exports of capsicum and pimenta fruits were concentrated entirely on two markets: Kenya and the Netherlands, which together accounted for 100% of export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of capsicum and pimenta fruit exports demonstrated substantial volatility. In 2019, export value reached its peak at $1,026,000, representing an extraordinary 9,462.5% increase. The following year, 2020, saw export value drop sharply to $445,000, a 56.6% decline from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at just $11,000, marking a 93.3% decrease. Throughout the period, export values varied dramatically, with a 96-fold difference between the high in 2019 and the low in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands dominated Tanzania's capsicum and pimenta fruit exports in value terms, consistently accounting for 97% of total export earnings.

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

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

Imports capsicum and pimenta fruits to Tanzania

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of capsicum and pimenta fruits showed notable fluctuations. In 2017, imports reached their highest level, while 2018 saw the lowest volume at just 0.4 tonnes, representing a 66.5% decline. In 2019, imports rebounded with a 133.4% increase. By 2020, imports stabilized at approximately 1.0 tonne, showing little change from the previous year. Overall, import volumes varied by a factor of three between the high in 2017 and the low in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Tanzania's imports of capsicum and pimenta fruits came primarily from three sources: South Africa (52.2% of import volume), the United Arab Emirates (27.0%), and the United Kingdom (20.8%). Together, these three countries accounted for 100% of Tanzania's imports during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of capsicum and pimenta fruit imports showed significant volatility. In 2017, import value reached its peak, while 2019 saw the lowest value at $100. In 2018, import value declined by 79.6%. By 2020, import value increased to $100, representing a 36.5% rise from the previous year. Throughout the period, import values varied by a factor of seven between the high in 2017 and the low in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa was Tanzania's dominant supplier of capsicum and pimenta fruits in value terms, accounting for 76.2% of total import spending, while other trading partners played more modest roles.

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

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