Coconut oil and fractions market in Tanzania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, coconut oil production in Tanzania held steady at 13,200 t annually despite persistent drought susceptibility in key coconut-growing areas like Zanzibar, which constrained output growth. Market volume gradually increased to 13,582 t by 2020, supported by rising imports that reached 387 t, as local production could not fully meet demand. The period also saw global supply chain disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting distribution and availability.

Production jumped to 14,500 t in 2021 and remained at that level through 2023, expanding the total market volume to nearly 14,900 t. This growth aligned with a global consumer shift toward natural and chemical-free products, which bolstered demand for coconut oil. However, price volatility and continued drought challenges limited further expansion, prompting government promises to intervene and stabilize cooking oil prices.

In 2024, the Tanzania Bureau of Standards introduced mandatory food fortification regulations requiring nutrient additions to packaged cooking oils, changing product formulation and labeling rules. Simultaneously, agricultural market access was digitized through a partnership between COPRA and YAS Tanzania to enhance transparency and compliance. These developments occurred alongside a reduction in coconut oil imports to 177 t and ongoing export constraints, signaling a shift in the market environment.

Production coconut oil and fractions in Tanzania

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania ranked 13th globally in coconut oil and fractions production volume.

Top producers of coconut oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of coconut oil and fractions, 2017-2020

In 2020, Tanzania produced 13,200 tonnes of coconut oil and fractions, showing no significant change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 4.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 13,200 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 0.0% decrease. The most substantial increase was seen in 2018, rising by 4.8%.

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

Exports coconut oil and fractions from Tanzania

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during these years. From 2018 to 2020, export volumes fluctuated dramatically, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 68 times. In 2020, Tanzania's coconut oil and fractions exports totaled 4.8 tonnes, marking a 51.9% year-on-year drop. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 329.5 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 97.0% decrease. The most significant increase was in 2018, rising by 296.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Burundi (44.6% of exports in kind), Russia (27.2% of exports in kind), and Rwanda (18.0% of exports in kind) consistently led Tanzania's export structure in kind, collectively accounting for 89.8% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed volatility over the observed period. Export values reached their peak in 2018 and fell to a minimum in 2020, representing a 2,614-fold shift. In 2020, Tanzania's coconut oil and fractions exports totaled 0.4 thousand US dollars, down 90.0% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1,061 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 99.6% decrease. The most substantial increase was in 2018, rising by 3,334.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Oman and Russia were the dominant destinations for Tanzania's coconut oil and fractions exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 96.8% of total flows, with the remaining share going to other markets.

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

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

Imports coconut oil and fractions to Tanzania

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during these years. Import volumes peaked in 2020 and reached their lowest point in 2018, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 3.1 times. In 2020, Tanzania imported 386.7 tonnes of coconut oil and fractions, representing a substantial 16.0% increase from the previous year. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 123.0 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 26.9% decrease. The most significant increase was in 2019, rising by 171.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India (64.5% of imports in kind), Kenya (13.6% of imports in kind), and Ukraine (5.4% of imports in kind) continued to be the top suppliers of coconut oil and fractions to Tanzania, collectively accounting for 83.5% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Tanzania's coconut oil and fractions imports totaled 200 thousand US dollars, showing a strong 11.3% gain from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 2.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 180 thousand US dollars, while the maximum value was in 2018 at 219 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 18.1% decrease, and the most substantial increase was in 2018, rising by 12.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—India, Kenya, and Mozambique—together absorbed 83.7% of Tanzania's total coconut oil and fractions imports in value terms.

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

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