Cinnamon market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The African cinnamon market volume increased from 8 458 t in 2018 to 14 347 t in 2023, a growth of 70% over the period. This expansion was characterized by a sharp rise in 2019 and 2020, a contraction in 2021, and moderate recovery thereafter. In value terms, the market peaked at $37.5 million in 2020 before settling at $34.0 million in 2023.

Domestic production remained stable at approximately 3 300 t per year, indicating that the market's fluctuations were largely attributable to import dynamics. Import volumes climbed from 8 616 t in 2018 to over 13 600 t in 2020, sustaining the market's overall growth despite some volatility in subsequent years.

In 2024, cinnamon imports fell to 11 024 t while exports rose to 3 621 t. This shift coincided with global volatility in agricultural input prices, which elevated production and trade costs, alongside evolving consumer preferences within Africa that favor natural spices like cinnamon.

Production cinnamon in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cinnamon, 2017-2020

World map of production of cinnamon, 2017-2020

Africa's cinnamon production has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the continent produced 3 344 tonnes of cinnamon, marking a modest 1.1% rise compared to the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually declined by 3.4%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 1.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 3 230 tonnes, when output fell by 6.7%—the steepest drop in the period. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase, with production growing by 2.4%.

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

Exports cinnamon from Africa

Exports in kind, t

Africa's cinnamon exports have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume stood at 2 694 tonnes, representing a moderate decrease of 7.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 22.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -8.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and France were the main destinations for Africa's cinnamon exports in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 22.5% of exports, Germany for 17.9%, and France for 12.0%. Together, these three countries made up 52.3% of total export volumes.

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

Africa's cinnamon exports in value terms have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 6 024 thousand US dollars, showing a significant decrease of 14.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 15.6%, equating to an average annual decline of 5.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 9 574 thousand US dollars, when exports surged by 34.1%—the largest increase in the period. Conversely, 2019 saw the steepest decline, with exports dropping by 26.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and France played leading roles in the value of Africa's cinnamon exports. Germany accounted for 20.6% of export value, the Netherlands for 19.2%, and France for 15.0%. Collectively, these three countries represented 54.9% of total export flows in monetary terms.

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

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

Imports cinnamon to Africa

Imports in kind, t

Africa's cinnamon imports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 13 642 tonnes, reflecting a substantial rise of 38.4% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 57.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.4%. The lowest import level was recorded in 2018 at 8 616 tonnes, when imports saw a slight decline of 0.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia were the primary suppliers of cinnamon to Africa in volume terms. China dominated with 67.1% of imports, followed by Vietnam at 10.4% and Indonesia at 6.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 83.6% of total import volumes.

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 cinnamon imports in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume stood at 36 031 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp rise of 37.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 91.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia played leading roles in the value of Africa's cinnamon imports. China accounted for 59.8% of import value, Vietnam for 17.3%, and Indonesia for 8.0%. Collectively, these three countries made up 85.1% of total import flows in monetary terms.

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

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