Castor seeds market in Eastern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for castor seeds in Eastern Africa showed relative stability from 2018 to 2021, moving within a narrow band between 93 thousand tons and 95 thousand tons. After a minor contraction to 93.3 thousand tons in 2019, the market recovered slightly, reaching 94.6 thousand tons by 2021.

A pronounced expansion phase began in 2022, with market volume rising to 101.2 thousand tons, and growth continued to 104.1 thousand tons in 2023. This period coincided with significant market-building initiatives, including an agreement between Makueni County in Kenya and the Italian government to pilot castor growing through the SEMAKENYA II project, which involved 2,500 farmers, and the introduction of an agribusiness model by the Italian oil firm Eni in Kwale County to support farmers with inputs and secure offtake for castor oil exports.

Regulatory attention to seed quality emerged as a focus, illustrated by KEPHIS mandating scratch-off sticker labels on small seed packages in 2024 to combat counterfeits and enhance trust in the seed supply chain.

Production castor seeds in Eastern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of castor seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of castor seeds, 2017-2020

In Eastern Africa, castor seed production reached 99.3 thousand tons in 2020, marking a modest 4.8% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 9.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 2.0%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 with a 6.5% rise.

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

Exports castor seeds from Eastern Africa

Exports in kind, t

Castor seed exports from Eastern Africa have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 4 785 tons, showing a sharp 218.1% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 6 630.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 306.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam and China together accounted for 86.6% of all castor seed exports from Eastern Africa, with the remaining volume distributed among 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, K $ US

The value of castor seed exports from Eastern Africa has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value reached 3 201 thousand US dollars, representing a 160.7% increase from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 10 728%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 376.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Vietnam and China continued to be the primary destinations for castor seed exports in value terms, jointly capturing 87.5% of total flows, while other partners individually accounted for much smaller shares.

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 castor seeds to Eastern Africa

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Imports peaked in 2019 at 31 tons and reached their lowest point in 2018, with a 139-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Eastern Africa's castor seed import volume was 30 tons, a 2.7% decrease from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, when imports surged by 13 820.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, South Africa was the main source for castor seed imports into Eastern Africa, accounting for 73.1% of total volume, with the rest spread across various smaller markets.

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, K $ US

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Imports reached their highest value in 2019 at 111 thousand US dollars and their lowest in 2018, with a 177-fold difference. In 2020, import value stood at 61 thousand US dollars, down 44.9% from 2019. The most significant increase was recorded in 2019, with a rise of 17 557.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa dominated castor seed imports into Eastern Africa in value terms, holding a 90.4% share of total 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