Casein market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the African casein market volume experienced considerable fluctuations. It grew from 9 910 t in 2018 to a peak of 10 895 t in 2019, then contracted to 9 899 t in 2020 before recovering to 10 663 t in 2021. A subsequent decline brought the market to 7 765 t by 2023. Domestic production showed strong expansion from 261 t to 916 t over the 2018-2022 period, before falling to 680 t in 2023.

Trade dynamics also shifted markedly. Imports reached 11 098 t in 2019 but fell to 8 626 t by 2023, while exports more than doubled after 2020, surpassing 1 500 t in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, imports rebounded strongly to 12 077 t. This recovery coincided with the emergence of multi-source protein blends that incorporate casein, driven by innovation in the supplement sector. Stable electricity supply in South Africa supported local milk production, and global supply chain disruptions alongside growing health-conscious consumer trends further influenced market conditions.

Production casein in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of casein, 2017-2020

World map of production of casein, 2017-2020

Africa's casein production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the continent produced 572.6 tonnes of casein, marking a significant year-over-year increase of 43.6%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 20%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 260.9 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 45.3%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase, with production jumping by 52.8%.

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

Exports casein from Africa

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Export volumes varied significantly, with a 2.1-fold difference between the low in 2019 and the high in 2020. In 2020, Africa's casein exports reached 1 243 tonnes, a sharp increase of 106.6% compared to the previous year. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 602 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 41.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, India, and Yemen were the top buyers of casein from Africa. The United States accounted for 56.7% of exports in kind, India for 8.3%, and Yemen for 1.0%. Together, these three countries made up 66.0% of Africa's total casein exports in kind during this period.

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, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility over the observed years. Export values fluctuated widely, with a 2.5-fold difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2018. In 2020, the value of casein exports from Africa totaled 9 318 thousand US dollars, representing a substantial year-over-year increase of 99.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 746 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 44.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, India, and Japan were the leading destinations for Africa's casein exports in value terms. The United States held 66.2% of the export value, India accounted for 11.4%, and Japan made up 1.9%. Combined, these three countries represented 79.5% of the total export value from Africa.

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

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

Imports casein to Africa

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Africa's casein imports declined. In 2020, the continent imported 10 570 tonnes of casein, which was 4.8% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 29.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.0%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 11 098 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 26.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Ireland, and New Zealand were the primary sources for Africa's casein imports in kind. France supplied 42.1% of imports, Ireland contributed 30.9%, and New Zealand accounted for 11.5%. Together, these three countries represented 84.5% of Africa's total casein imports in kind.

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, K $ US

Africa's casein import value has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the import value stood at 81 089 thousand US dollars, reflecting a substantial year-over-year rise of 24.3%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 51.4%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 14.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France, Ireland, and New Zealand remained the key markets for Africa's casein imports in value terms. France accounted for 42.2% of the import value, Ireland for 31.0%, and New Zealand for 11.5%. Collectively, these three countries made up 84.7% of the total import value.

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

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