Monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils in Sub-Saharan Africa fluctuated significantly between 2018 and 2023. After a moderate increase to 218.5 thousand tons in 2019, consumption surged to 257.1 thousand tons in 2020. A sharp contraction followed in 2021, reducing the market to 179.0 thousand tons, before a recovery to 208.3 thousand tons in 2022. This rebound coincided with the entry of a major new player, as Eni launched its first vegetable oil production for biorefining in Kenya in July 2022, adding fresh supply capacity to the regional market.

Domestic production within the region showed a strong increase in 2023, rising to 25.2 thousand tons. This growth aligns with continued industry investments, exemplified by Wilmar Edible Oil Refineries completing the first phase of its new refining plant in South Africa's Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone, which was designed to improve operational efficiency through strategic port access. Technological advancements in oil extraction and refining processes also contributed to enhanced product quality and yields.

Underlying demand for these industrial inputs has been supported by broader trends such as rising urbanization and changing dietary patterns across Africa, which have expanded the consumption base for fats and oils.

Production monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining in Sub-Saharan Africa

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

Production of monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining in Sub-Saharan Africa declined after two years of growth. In 2020, output reached 19 747 tonnes, representing a 10.8% year-on-year decrease. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 4.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 22 145 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 13.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, K t

The market demonstrated volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 18.4 thousand tonnes, which represented a 27.6% decline that year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 40.5 thousand tonnes, marking a substantial 83.4% increase compared to the previous year. The gap between these years was 2.2-fold.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain accounted for 15.5% of exports in kind, the Netherlands for 9.8%, and India for 0.8%. Together, these three markets represented 26.1% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Export values showed irregular patterns, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 14.9 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2020 at 31.8 million US dollars, representing a sharp 113.2% increase from the previous year. The largest decline was observed in 2018 at 24.1%. The difference between the highest and lowest years was 2.1-fold.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Spain represented 12.5% of exports in value terms, the Netherlands accounted for 8.6%, and Turkey contributed 0.6%. Collectively, these three markets made up 21.7% of total export value flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining to Sub-Saharan Africa increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached approximately 277.9 thousand tonnes, reflecting a 27.2% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 30.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 9.2%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Indonesia accounted for 43.6% of imports in kind, Malaysia represented 32.2%, and Thailand contributed 4.1%. Together, these three markets comprised 79.9% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, imports of monocarboxylic fatty acids and acid oils from refining to Sub-Saharan Africa increased. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 135.1 million US dollars, which represented a 16.5% decline that year. In 2020, imports reached 189.6 million US dollars, marking a 40.3% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 9.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Indonesia represented 41.1% of imports in value terms, Malaysia accounted for 30.4%, and Thailand contributed 4.3%. Collectively, these three markets made up 75.8% of total import value flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020