Flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers market in ECOWAS

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers in ECOWAS grew consistently from 3.2 million tons in 2018 to over 5.5 million tons by 2023. The most pronounced increase occurred in 2020, when the market expanded by more than 1.7 million tons, representing a surge of about 50% compared to the previous year. This step-change established a new, higher baseline for the market.

Following the 2020 surge, annual growth continued at a more measured pace through 2023. Global factors began to influence the regional market more visibly. In 2022, worldwide exports of similar starchy flours grew by 20%, with Nigeria standing out as a significant importer within ECOWAS, which supported import flows into the region. Furthermore, enduring shifts in global consumer preferences toward gluten-free and plant-based food products have underpinned demand for these traditional flours.

The market's trajectory is also set against broader agricultural supply chain considerations. Factors such as climate-related challenges affecting cassava root quality and availability, along with the need for investment in processing equipment, represent ongoing conditions that can influence production volumes and costs within the region.

Production flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers in ECOWAS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers, 2017-2020

World map of production of flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers, 2017-2020

ECOWAS has seen its production of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers grow for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 5 107 thousand tonnes, marking a significant 50.4% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 61.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 17.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The market displayed considerable volatility during these years. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 951 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2020 at 3 436 million US dollars, representing a 1.8-fold difference. In 2020, the output value surged by 76.1% compared to the year before. The most substantial decline was in 2018, with a drop of 16.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in ECOWAS in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers from ECOWAS

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. The lowest point was in 2017, and the highest in 2020, with a 2.3-fold variation between these years. In 2020, ECOWAS exported 10 112 tonnes of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers, a sharp 30.2% increase year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 4.2%, while the biggest rise was in 2018 at 87.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure in kind was diversified, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position. The United States accounted for 7.1% of exports, France for 5.4%, and the United Kingdom for 5.0%, together making up just 17.5% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, ECOWAS's exports of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers totaled 6 803 thousand US dollars, showing a strong 52.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 78.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 21.4%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 24.1%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 54.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom played notable but not dominant roles as buyers in value terms. The United States held 19.4% of exports, France 13.0%, and the United Kingdom 10.2%, with their combined share reaching 42.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers to ECOWAS

Imports in kind, t

ECOWAS's imports of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 760 tonnes, a 16.3% drop from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 91.5%, with an average annual decline of 56.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey and the United States were the primary sources for imports in kind of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers into ECOWAS, together accounting for 20.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

ECOWAS's imports of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers in value terms have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, import volume stood at 1 201 thousand US dollars, a sharp 39.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports dropped by 57.9%, with an average annual decline of 25.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 4 448 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 55.6%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 55.7%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, the partner structure for imports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Turkey accounted for 29.5% of imports, the United States for 3.6%, and Portugal for 1.6%, with these three countries jointly representing 34.8% of total flows, while many other countries made up the remaining 65.2%.

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

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