Coconut, palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions market in Middle Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for coconut, palm kernel or babassu oil in Middle Africa began a steady expansion from 2018, with volume reaching 51 452 t by 2020. This initial growth coincided with rising global demand for coconut oil, driven by its diverse applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Favorable international prices, evidenced by strong export revenues from key regional producers, further stimulated market activity.

A significant surge occurred in 2021, when market volume jumped to 61 862 t. This acceleration was directly supported by the entry of new production capacity, notably the launch of a major coconut oil production unit in Nigeria in September 2021. The subsequent years saw the growth trend continue, with the market volume climbing to 69 729 t in 2022 and 76 705 t in 2023, reflecting sustained momentum from increased production and solid demand.

Production coconut, palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions in Middle Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of coconut, palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of coconut, palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions, 2017-2020

Middle Africa's production of coconut, palm kernel, or babassu oil and fractions rose for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 54 000 tonnes, marking a steady increase of 6.6% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production declined by 2.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest output was recorded in 2018 at 48 514 tonnes, which also saw the sharpest drop of 12.2%.

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

Exports coconut, palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions from Middle Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, showing a dramatic 446-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Middle Africa exported 2 739 tonnes of coconut, palm kernel, or babassu oil and fractions, representing a significant decline of 38.3% from the year before. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 5 013 tonnes, which also experienced the largest surge of 44 532.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands remained the primary destination for Middle Africa's exports of coconut, palm kernel, or babassu oil and fractions in kind, accounting for 71.1% of the total. The remaining volume was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was marked by volatility during these years. Export values hit a low in 2017 and a high in 2018, varying by a factor of 250. In 2020, Middle Africa's exports of coconut, palm kernel, or babassu oil and fractions amounted to 2 192 thousand US dollars, down 21.9% year-over-year. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 4 104 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 24 887.1%. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, falling by 31.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands and Spain were the dominant destinations for Middle Africa's exports in value terms, together capturing 81.1% of total flows. The remaining share went to other markets.

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

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

Imports coconut, palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions to Middle Africa

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Import volumes were at their lowest in 2017 and reached a peak in 2018, changing by a factor of 14.3. In 2020, Middle Africa imported approximately 191 tonnes of coconut, palm kernel, or babassu oil and fractions, indicating a dramatic year-over-year decline of 70.5%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 696 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 1 333.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Middle Africa imported coconut, palm kernel, or babassu oil and fractions from many countries. Even the top three destinations—Malaysia, Indonesia, and Belgium—collectively represented only 44.8% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import values were lowest in 2017 and highest in 2019, varying 7.1 times between these years. In 2020, Middle Africa's imports of coconut, palm kernel, or babassu oil and fractions stood at 244 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp fall of 72.8% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 896 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 487.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Middle Africa traded coconut, palm kernel, or babassu oil and fractions with numerous countries. The largest destinations—Malaysia, Brazil, and Indonesia—together accounted for only 47.4% of total imports in value terms.

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

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