Non-vegetable waxes market in Middle Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for non-vegetable waxes in Middle Africa grew from 3 106 t in 2018 to a peak of 3 265 t in 2020, supported by consistent domestic production levels around 3 400 t annually and fluctuating imports.

A downward trend followed from 2021, with the market contracting to 2 881 t by 2023. This reduction was partly due to a significant rise in exports, which more than doubled to 573 t in 2023, leaving less supply for domestic consumption.

The year 2024 saw several developments: Cameroon revised its forest species classification, potentially impacting natural raw material supply like beeswax. Regional economic communities CEEAC and CEMAC advanced towards a unified Customs Code and Common External Tariff, which may alter trade conditions. Furthermore, a policy focus on economic diversification and innovation in Central Africa could influence future production and consumption patterns for natural waxes.

Production non-vegetable waxes in Middle Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of non-vegetable waxes, 2017-2020

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

Middle Africa's production of non-vegetable waxes has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2019, production remained nearly unchanged, and in 2020, it reached 3,418 tonnes, showing minimal growth compared to the previous year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Middle Africa's production of non-vegetable waxes declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1,508 thousand US dollars, down by 9.9% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 11.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1,703 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 0.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Middle Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports non-vegetable waxes from Middle Africa

Exports in kind, t

The export market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports from Middle Africa totalled 192.6 tonnes, marking a significant decline of 22.5% compared to 2019. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 320.1 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 94.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the United States, and Spain were the main destinations for Middle Africa's non-vegetable waxes exports in kind. France accounted for 29.5% of exports, the United States for 20.1%, and Spain for 13.4%, together representing 63.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market exhibited an unstable trend over the timeframe. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 1.9-fold change between these years. In 2020, Middle Africa's export volume reached 85.0 thousand US dollars, down by 30.3% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 159.7 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 94.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, the United States, and Spain remained the leading destinations for Middle Africa's non-vegetable waxes exports in value terms. France contributed 24.1% of exports, the United States 22.3%, and Spain 14.5%, collectively accounting for 60.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports non-vegetable waxes to Middle Africa

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Imports reached their minimum in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 4-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Middle Africa's import volume stood at 39.6 tonnes, up by 224.6% from 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 10.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco, India, and Portugal were the top suppliers of non-vegetable waxes to Middle Africa in kind. Morocco accounted for 36.9% of imports, India for 34.6%, and Portugal for 11.4%, jointly representing 82.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Middle Africa's imports of non-vegetable waxes increased. In 2020, imports stood at 38.5 thousand US dollars, which is 25.9% higher than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 16.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 30.6 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 24.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India, Portugal, and Germany were the primary suppliers of non-vegetable waxes to Middle Africa in value terms. India accounted for 36.7% of imports, Portugal for 29.9%, and Germany for 9.5%, together making up 76.1% of total import flows.

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

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