Monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The market for industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils in the SADC region grew to a peak of 131.5 thousand tons in 2020, supported by rising demand across the African continent. This growth was followed by a significant contraction, with the market volume falling to 77.4 thousand tons by 2023.

This decline occurred alongside a steady increase in domestic production, which rose from 2.0 to 2.9 thousand tons from 2018 to 2023. The primary driver of the market's contraction after 2020 was a sharp reduction in imports, which fell from 133.4 thousand tons in 2020 to 87.7 thousand tons in 2023, while exports grew from a low base. In 2024, trade patterns shifted again with imports rebounding to 113.5 thousand tons and exports falling to 9.0 thousand tons.

The broader African market context showed continued expansion, with continental consumption reaching 2.6 million tons in 2024 and production increasing to 2.5 million tons, highlighting regional growth that contrasted with the SADC region's specific import-driven market dynamics during this period.

Production monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining, 2017-2020

World map of production of monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining, 2017-2020

SADC's production of monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 2 162 tonnes, showing a moderate year-over-year gain of 7.2%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 12.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%.

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

Exports monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining from SADC

Exports in kind, K t

The export market displayed an unstable trend throughout the observed period. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 0.5 thousand tonnes, which was 39.3% lower than the previous year. In 2019, exports surged by 310.1%, reaching a higher level. By 2020, volumes leaving SADC amounted to 4.1 thousand tonnes, marking a 98.7% increase compared to 2019 and representing the peak for the period, with an 8.1-fold gap between the highest and lowest years.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of exports in kind was highly diversified. India accounted for 8.4% of exports, the Netherlands for 4.3%, and China for 3.3%, together making up only 16.1% of total flows. The remaining 83.9% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms showed signs of volatility over the observed period. The peak was registered in 2017, while the lowest point occurred in 2019 at 1 476 thousand US dollars, reflecting a threefold amplitude between these years. In 2020, deliveries from SADC reached 3 404 thousand US dollars, representing a dramatic rise of 130.6% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 44.5%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms of monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining from SADC were characterised by a broad spread across markets. India accounted for 4.0% of exports, the Netherlands for 2.2%, and China for 1.5%, together making up only 7.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining to SADC

Imports in kind, K t

SADC's import volume of monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 133.4 thousand tonnes, marking a moderate increase of 5.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 22.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand—together accounted for 79.7% of total imports in kind of monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining to SADC.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, SADC's import volume of monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining registered 97 388 thousand US dollars, amounting to an improvement of 31.8% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 73 893 thousand US dollars, which was 16.3% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 15.1%, equating to a 4.8% annualized rate.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Malaysia accounted for 38.9% of imports in value terms, Indonesia for 31.8%, and Portugal for 5.4%, forming the main group of destinations for imports of monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining to SADC, with a combined share of 76.1% of total flows.

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

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