Ginger market in Nigeria

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of Nigeria's ginger market increased from 676.2 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 687.2 thousand tonnes in 2021. This growth was driven by continuous expansion in harvested area and yield improvements across ginger farms. During this period, new entrants reduced market concentration in the ginger oil segment, while rising demand for natural ingredients in the pharmaceutical, food, and personal care industries bolstered consumption.

After 2021, domestic market volume fluctuated as exports rose sharply. In 2022, exports surged to 75.9 thousand tonnes, pulling market volume down to 676.0 thousand tonnes despite higher production, a shift driven by quality certification efforts targeting EU markets. The following year, Sun Impex International Foods expanded its sourcing network, increasing procurement capacity by 25% and opening new export routes, which supported exports of 85.8 thousand tonnes. However, a fungal outbreak in southern Kaduna reduced local output, highlighting vulnerabilities in the seed system. The official registration of two local ginger varieties, UMUGIN 1 and UMUGIN 2, aimed to strengthen quality and sustain export competitiveness.

Production ginger in Nigeria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Nigeria ranked as the world's second-largest producer of ginger from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of ginger, 2017-2020

World map of production of ginger, 2017-2020

Ginger production in Nigeria increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 681.4 thousand tonnes, showing little change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 18.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 677.9 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 18.8%.

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

Exports ginger from Nigeria

Exports in kind, t

Nigeria's ginger exports grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 7 717 tonnes, marking a sharp increase of 232.0% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 29 508.6%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 566.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa were Nigeria's key export partners for ginger by volume. India accounted for 29.9% of exports, the UAE for 17.4%, and South Africa for 6.4%. Together, these three countries represented 53.7% of Nigeria's total ginger exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market for ginger from Nigeria showed an unstable trend during this period. In 2020, exports amounted to 10 899 thousand US dollars, a gain of 466.9% over 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 4 297.4%, while the largest decline was in 2019 at 2.5%. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with a 243-fold difference between the high in 2020 and the low in 2017.

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

In terms of value from 2017 to 2020, India, the United Arab Emirates, and Sudan were the main destinations for Nigeria's ginger exports. India held a 27.7% share, the UAE 18.6%, and Sudan 8.3%. Combined, these markets accounted for 54.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports ginger to Nigeria

Imports in kind, t

Nigeria's ginger imports experienced noticeable fluctuations. In 2020, imports totaled 222 tonnes, a steep contraction of 89.2% from the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 047 tonnes, while the lowest was in 2017, resulting in a 138-fold swing between these years. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 2 836.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Nigeria's ginger imports were heavily dependent on China, which supplied 91.2% of the total volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market for ginger in Nigeria was unstable throughout the period. In 2020, imports came to 362 thousand US dollars, reflecting an 82.7% decline from a year earlier. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 095 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 839.7%. The lowest import level was in 2017, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 57 times compared to 2019.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, China remained the primary source for Nigeria's ginger imports by value, accounting for 81.4% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

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