Coconuts market in Tanzania

Earlier Report Observations

Coconut production in Tanzania declined from 525 thousand tons in 2018 to 459 thousand tons in 2020. This drop was primarily driven by the spread of lethal yellow disease and other ailments attacking coconut trees, coupled with a lack of programs to replace aged or diseased palms. Farmers faced unreliable markets and price fluctuations, while extension services and agricultural inputs remained insufficient.

Production stabilized at 459 thousand tons in 2021, as government efforts to expand coconut farming areas and improve seed quality began to counteract earlier challenges. By 2022, output rose to 480 thousand tons, supported by initiatives to engage youth in agribusiness and calls for establishing processing factories to add value. The market continued to recover, reaching 505 thousand tons in 2023, with ongoing diversification into products like coir ropes and coconut furniture boosting demand.

Production coconuts in Tanzania

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania held the 11th position globally in coconut production.

Top producers of coconuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of coconuts, 2017-2020

Tanzania's coconut production volume declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 459.0 thousand tonnes of coconuts, which is 8.9% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 28.5%, representing an average annual decrease of 10.6%.

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

Exports coconuts from Tanzania

Exports in kind, kg

Tanzania's cross-border shipments of coconuts increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 73 190 kilograms, marking a 31.5% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 11 335.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 385.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Tanzania in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, China, the United Arab Emirates, and Kenya were the leading destinations for Tanzania's coconut exports in volume terms, accounting for 23.8%, 19.4%, and 17.4% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries made up 60.6% of total export 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 exhibited volatility during the observed period. Tanzania exported 378.1 thousand US dollars worth of coconuts in 2020, indicating a dramatic increase of 2 937.6% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 2.5 thousand US dollars, with volumes varying 154-fold from the low in 2018 to the high in 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 63.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Egypt, and Lebanon were the primary buyers of Tanzanian coconuts in value terms, representing 44.0%, 21.6%, and 18.2% of exports, respectively. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 83.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports coconuts to Tanzania

Imports in kind, kg

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The volume of coconut imports in Tanzania reached its peak in 2017 and fell to its lowest point in 2020, representing a fourfold shift. In 2020, imports amounted to 21 166 kilograms, marking a sharp decline of 74.2% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, rising by 93.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates dominated Tanzania's coconut imports in volume terms, jointly accounting for 87.8% of total flows, while other countries made up the remaining share.

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

Tanzania's coconut import value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 7.2 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a sharp decrease of 65.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 80.9%, representing an average annual decline of 42.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and Thailand were the key partners for Tanzania's coconut imports in value terms, accounting for 47.0%, 26.5%, and 10.3% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 83.8% of total import flows.

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

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