Molasses market in Zambia

Earlier Report Observations

Zambia's molasses production increased from 140 thousand tons in 2018 to 150.2 thousand tons in 2023. Domestic market volume, calculated as production plus net trade, followed a similar upward trend over the period, rising from 119.1 thousand tons to 127.8 thousand tons. This growth was interrupted in 2021 when market volume dropped sharply to 81.3 thousand tons, corresponding to a dip in production and a significant spike in exports that year.

The market recovered strongly after 2021, with production returning to over 142 thousand tons in 2022 and domestic consumption rebounding above 116 thousand tons. By 2023, both production and domestic market volume reached their highest points in the period.

In 2024, the market continued to be shaped by a major state-influenced producer. Zambia Sugar Plc reported record molasses production for the year, solidifying its role in supplying both local and export markets, particularly for animal feed. The Ministry of Agriculture supported market transparency through regular information bulletins, while broader macroeconomic factors like currency depreciation affected production costs and export dynamics.

Production molasses in Zambia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of molasses, 2017-2020

World map of production of molasses, 2017-2020

Zambia's molasses production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 145.0 K t of molasses, representing a slight gain of 1.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 11.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%.

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

Exports molasses from Zambia

Exports in kind, t

After rising for two years, Zambia's foreign molasses supplies declined. In 2020, exports were recorded at 14 488 t, marking a loss of 33.5% from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 3.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 21 799 t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 39.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana were the key partners for Zambia's molasses exports in kind. South Africa accounted for 59.3% of exports, Namibia for 13.5%, and Botswana for 9.4%, together making up 82.3% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, molasses deliveries from Zambia amounted to 3 028 K $ US, indicating a steep decline of 31.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 13.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 2 789 K $ US, while the maximum was in 2019 at 4 396 K $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 57.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana were the largest buyers of molasses from Zambia in value terms. South Africa represented 62.4% of exports, Namibia 12.8%, and Botswana 8.8%, together forming 84.1% of total exports in value.

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

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

Imports molasses to Zambia

Imports in kind, t

The market showed volatility during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 3.8-fold gap between these years. In 2020, molasses shipments to Zambia from abroad totaled 62 t, amounting to an increase of 2.6% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 102 t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 40.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 284.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India and South Africa led the list of markets for Zambia's molasses imports in kind, together accounting for 83.8% of total flows, with other partners playing a supplementary role.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Imports hit a trough in 2017 and peaked in 2018, showing a 4-fold difference. In 2020, Zambia imported 10 K $ US worth of molasses, marking a sharp rise of 26.6% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 13 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 37.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 297.2%.

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

Over 2017-2020, India and South Africa were the dominant destinations for Zambia's molasses imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 82.9% of total flows, with the remaining volume split among smaller markets.

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

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