Groundnut oil and fractions market in Benin

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for groundnut oil in Benin fell sharply to 30 005 t in 2019 from 39 303 t the year before. This decline was driven by low peanut yields due to climatic conditions and a significant increase in peanut exports, which diverted raw material away from domestic oil processing. A recovery to 32 006 t occurred in 2020 following the government's launch of sector revitalization programs and direct budgetary support aimed at improving agricultural production and local processing capabilities.

From 2020 through 2023, production and total market size remained stable at approximately 32 000 t. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply and demand balances for edible oils in 2021, while sustained presidential commitments and policy support for the peanut sector helped maintain output. However, the market faced supply constraints, notably the 2023 border closure with Niger which reduced the availability of artisanal groundnut oil and contributed to sharp price increases, even as production volumes were capped by persistent raw material shortages and limited processing capacity.

Production groundnut oil and fractions in Benin

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Benin ranked 25th globally in terms of groundnut oil and fractions production volume.

Top producers of groundnut oil and fractions, 2017-2020

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

The market exhibited volatility during this period. Production volumes reached their lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2018, showing a 3.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Benin produced 32 000 tonnes of groundnut oil and fractions, marking a modest increase of 6.7% compared to 2019. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 32 000 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 6.3%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, surging by 226.3%.

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

Exports groundnut oil and fractions from Benin

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Benin's exports of groundnut oil and fractions amounted to 3 tonnes, showing minimal change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports declined by 86.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -48.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Niger dominated Benin's export partner structure in kind, accounting for 87.7% of total flows, while other markets held relatively modest shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Benin's cross-border shipments of groundnut oil and fractions were valued at 4 000 US dollars, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 52%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -21.7%.

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

During 2017-2020, Niger and Nigeria led the list of markets for exports in value terms, together representing 93.5% of total flows, with other partners playing a supplementary role.

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

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

Imports groundnut oil and fractions to Benin

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2017, with a 4 923-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Benin imported 9 tonnes of groundnut oil and fractions, an 87.6% increase from the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 99.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Malaysia (38.9% of imports in kind), Togo (38.2%), and Indonesia (13.5%) consistently held leading positions in Benin's import structure in kind, jointly accounting for 90.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports hit a trough in 2019 and peaked in 2017, with a 3 345-fold fluctuation. In 2020, Benin imported groundnut oil and fractions worth 2 000 US dollars, reflecting a sharp increase of 106.3% from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 000 US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 99.9%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Malaysia (39.9% of imports in value terms), Togo (36.6%), and Indonesia (13.9%) formed the core of Benin's imports in value terms, together representing 90.4% of total flows.

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

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