Non-vegetable waxes market in Eastern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for non-vegetable waxes in Eastern Africa showed considerable volatility between 2018 and 2023. Volume peaked at 13 779 t in 2021 after a sharp recovery from 9 504 t in 2019, while market value reached $103.6 million the same year. Following the 2021 high, both volume and value moderated but remained above 2018 levels by 2023.

In Tanzania, the region's key producer, state-owned agencies such as the Tanzania Forest Services Agency have actively supported beekeeping through policy and research. The entry of new players and widespread adoption of modern beehives enabled higher yields and product diversification. Regulatory improvements, including quality assurance guidelines issued in 2021 and the launch of the Tanzania Honey Trademark in 2024, strengthened market access and product standards.

Consumer preference shifts toward natural and organic ingredients in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals bolstered demand for beeswax, while global trends favoring sustainable supply chains created export opportunities for Eastern African producers.

Production non-vegetable waxes in Eastern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of non-vegetable waxes, 2017-2020

World map of production of non-vegetable waxes, 2017-2020

In 2020, Eastern Africa produced 10,999 tons of non-vegetable waxes, marking a 5.9% increase from the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually declined by 8.4%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 2.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 10,391 tons, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 12,176 tons. The most significant drop was observed in 2019, when production fell by 14.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Eastern Africa's non-vegetable waxes production has been on a downward trend for three consecutive years. In 2020, the output was valued at $82.4 million, representing a slight decrease of 0.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value declined by 18%, averaging an annual reduction of 6.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports non-vegetable waxes from Eastern Africa

Exports in kind, t

The export market for non-vegetable waxes from Eastern Africa showed notable fluctuations during this period. In 2020, exports totaled 935 tons, which is 15.6% lower than the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 546 tons, while the highest was in 2019 at 1,107 tons. This represents a two-fold difference between the peak and trough. The most dramatic decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 46.9%, while 2019 saw the largest increase at 102.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Germany, and Japan were the primary destinations for Eastern Africa's non-vegetable wax exports by volume. The United States accounted for 43.2% of exports, Germany for 21.6%, and Japan for 17.7%. Together, these three countries represented 82.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export value of non-vegetable waxes from Eastern Africa displayed considerable volatility during this period. In 2020, export value stood at $7.007 million, reflecting a 20.9% decrease from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at $4.099 million, while the peak occurred in 2019 at $8.858 million. This represents a 2.2-fold difference between the high and low points. The most significant decline was in 2018, with a drop of 52.4%, while 2019 saw the largest increase at 116.1%.

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

In terms of value from 2017 to 2020, the United States, Germany, and Japan dominated Eastern Africa's non-vegetable wax exports. The United States represented 44.2% of export value, Germany 22.6%, and Japan 16.5%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 83.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports non-vegetable waxes to Eastern Africa

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of non-vegetable waxes into Eastern Africa showed an unstable pattern during this timeframe. In 2020, imports amounted to just 18 tons, representing a sharp decline of 91.9% compared to 2019. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 220 tons. This created a 12.4-fold difference between the peak in 2019 and the low in 2020. The most substantial increase occurred in 2019, with imports surging by 761.8%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Portugal, India, and China were the key sources for Eastern Africa's non-vegetable wax imports by volume. Portugal accounted for 64.7% of imports, India for 11.9%, and China for 4.8%. Together, these three countries supplied 81.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import value of non-vegetable waxes into Eastern Africa was characterized by volatility during these years. In 2020, import value reached $98,000, which is 63.7% lower than the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at $271,000. This represents a 2.8-fold difference between the peak in 2019 and the low in 2020. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 72.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, India, and the United States were the main sources for Eastern Africa's non-vegetable wax imports by value. Portugal accounted for 26.6% of import value, India for 22.5%, and the United States for 13.2%. Collectively, these three markets represented 62.2% of total import value.

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

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