Citrus fruit market in Benin

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for citrus fruit in Benin grew steadily from 30 266 t to 31 184 t, supported by a consistent rise in domestic production. This period established a stable supply base for the local market. The market entered a phase of consolidation from 2021 to 2022, with volume fluctuating near 31 000 t. This stability coincided with several structural initiatives, including the founding of the National Association of Citrus Processors (AProTAB) in October 2021 and the launch of the 'Béninclusif' support project. These efforts were reinforced in 2022 by the entry of a new processor, Orana, which instituted an annual reference price for oranges and benefited from preferential 2% financing for agricultural industrials, helping to organize the supply chain and bolster processor competitiveness.

A pivotal shift occurred in 2023 when the market volume fell to 27 996 t, primarily due to a surge in exports to 2 969 t. This export growth aligns with the sector's strategic push towards processing, highlighted by AProTAB's confirmed ambition to process 50 000 t of citrus by the end of 2023 and the establishment of a National Consultation Framework for citrus producers in November. These coordinated actions directed a larger share of national production towards export channels. In 2024, a government decree banning the export of raw soy and cashew nuts took effect, a policy designed to boost local processing capacity which may indirectly benefit citrus processing infrastructure and support the industry's continued export orientation.

Production citrus fruit in Benin

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

Citrus fruit production in Benin has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Benin produced 31 142 tons of citrus fruit, representing a slight improvement of 1.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%.

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

Exports citrus fruit from Benin

Market analysis indicates that there were no exports of citrus fruit from Benin between 2017 and 2020.

Imports citrus fruit to Benin

Imports in kind, kg

The market showed an unstable trend throughout this period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Benin imported approximately 42 838 kilograms of citrus fruit, marking a sudden increase of 118.0% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 13.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Benin in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, France and South Africa together accounted for 83.6% of total imports by volume. France contributed 53.0% of the total flows, while South Africa made up 30.6%, with other partners supplying the remaining volume.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Import values fell to their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, showing a 2.2-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Benin's citrus fruit imports amounted to 53 122 US dollars, reflecting a sharp increase of 120.7% relative to the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 24 071 US dollars, with the largest decline also occurring in 2019 at 16.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France and South Africa were the primary suppliers of citrus fruit to Benin, together accounting for 91.2% of total imports in value terms, while other countries made up the remainder.

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

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