Cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste in the United States fluctuated between 2018 and 2023, declining from 79 069 t to 54 009 t overall. After a drop to 71 429 t in 2020, the market expanded sharply to 86 715 t in 2021, representing a 21.4% increase from the previous year.

The 2021 surge aligned with global supply chain disruptions and rising demand for sustainable products, which encouraged greater utilization of cocoa by‑products and supported production growth to 86 967 t. This period reflected broader environmental trends that boosted the market for waste‑based materials.

Exports of cocoa waste fell markedly in earlier years, such as the 40.8% decrease between 2018 and 2019, but did not prevent the subsequent market contraction after 2021. Although global circular‑economy initiatives gained prominence, the market volume declined to 66 494 t in 2022 and 54 009 t in 2023.

Production cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States ranked as the world's fifth-largest producer of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste.

Top producers of cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste, 2017-2020

World map of production of cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste, 2017-2020

In the United States, production of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 71 920 tonnes, marking a slight decrease of 0.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production dropped by 16.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste from the United States

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 196.5 tonnes, then surged to a peak of 526.0 tonnes in 2020, representing a dramatic increase of 167.7% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 40.6%. Overall, exports varied by a factor of 2.7 between the trough in 2019 and the peak in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Estonia, and Kuwait were the top destinations for exports in kind. Germany accounted for 36.7% of exports, Estonia for 24.5%, and Kuwait for 7.1%. Together, these three countries made up 68.3% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020 at 590 thousand US dollars, which was 111.8% higher than the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a fall of 18.0%. Overall, exports varied by a factor of 2.4 between the low in 2017 and the high in 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Estonia, and Canada were the leading buyers of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste from the United States in value terms. Germany held 36.8% of exports, Estonia 20.8%, and Canada 13.3%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 70.9% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste to the United States

Imports in kind, t

Imports of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste into the United States declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 35.2 tonnes, reflecting a fall of 30.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 91.8%, equating to an average annual rate of decline of 56.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Côte d'Ivoire, Peru, and Ecuador were the primary sources for imports in kind. Côte d'Ivoire contributed 54.1% of imports, Peru 23.7%, and Ecuador 11.2%. Together, these three countries represented 88.9% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Imported volumes of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste into the United States fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 179 thousand US dollars, showing a drop of 9.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 82.9%, which corresponds to an average annual decline of 44.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Côte d'Ivoire, Peru, and Ecuador consistently remained the main sources for imports in value terms. Côte d'Ivoire accounted for 40.9% of imports, Peru for 25.4%, and Ecuador for 17.4%. In total, these three countries made up 83.7% of import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020