Cloves market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, torrential rains in Indonesia damaged clove blossoms, reducing global supply and putting upward pressure on prices. The Asian market volume held steady near 153 thousand tons through 2019 before rising to 162.7 thousand tons in 2020.

After a contraction to 153.9 thousand tons in 2021, the market expanded sharply to 190.7 thousand tons in 2022. This growth was fueled by increasing worldwide demand for natural, plant-based products and persistent production difficulties in Indonesia, the world's largest grower. In 2023, the market volume receded to 166.7 thousand tons, influenced by a restructuring and tighter regulation of the export sector in Madagascar, a key supplier, which affected shipments. Concurrently, stricter European Union standards on pesticide residues for imported cloves began to elevate quality requirements for the market.

Production cloves in Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cloves, 2017-2020

World map of production of cloves, 2017-2020

Clove production in Asia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Asia produced 154.3 thousand tonnes of cloves, marking a gradual increase of 5.2% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 26.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 8.1%.

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

Exports cloves from Asia

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 16 710 tonnes, while the minimum was in 2019 at 8 120 tonnes, resulting in a 2.1-fold difference between these peak and trough levels. In 2020, cross-border shipments of cloves from Asia totaled 14 321 tonnes, representing a steep increase of 76.4% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 51.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure of exports in kind remained fragmented. The United States accounted for 2.6% of exports in kind, Egypt for 1.7%, and Ghana for 1.1%, with these three countries together making up only 5.4% of total flows. No single country achieved a dominant share during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Asia's clove export volume reached 243.8 million US dollars, marking a sharp rise of 25.7% year-on-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 194.0 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 13.7%. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 22.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.9%.

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

During 2017–2020, exports in value terms of cloves from Asia were spread relatively evenly. The United States accounted for 4.0% of exports in value terms, Ghana for 1.1%, and Peru for 1.0%, with these three countries jointly accounting for only 6.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports cloves to Asia

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decrease, Asia's clove imports increased in 2020. Imports totaled 22 725 tonnes, showing a rise of 49.1% from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 15 239 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 51.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 39.5%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 15.4%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Brazil remained the main markets for imports in kind of cloves to Asia. Madagascar accounted for 40.0% of imports in kind, Tanzania for 8.2%, and Brazil for 5.9%, with these three countries jointly taking 54.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, clove imports to Asia increased in 2020. Asia imported a total of 130.9 million US dollars of cloves, which is 13.6% higher compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 115.2 million US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 57.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 54.6%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 23.1%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the three largest markets—Madagascar, Tanzania, and Brazil—remained central to imports in value terms, together accounting for 62.5% of total flows.

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

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