Nutmeg, mace and cardamoms market in Tanzania

Earlier Report Observations

The domestic market volume for nutmeg, mace and cardamoms in Tanzania contracted from 812 tons in 2018 to 616 tons in 2022, before recovering to 708 tons in 2023. This fluctuation was largely a result of changing export volumes. A sustained increase in exports from 2019 onward diverted production away from the local market, while a reduction in exports during 3 allowed more supply to remain domestically available.

Domestic production remained remarkably stable, ranging between 800 and 827 tons annually throughout the period. Tanzania consistently held its status as the largest producer of these spices in Africa. Output reached a high point in 2021, after which it entered a period of stagnation, mirroring a broader regional trend of slowed growth across the continent.

The export sector demonstrated growing strength, with shipments surging to 399.5 tons in 2024. This highlighted Tanzania's significant role in international trade for these spices, despite the consequent tightening of domestic supply. The market structure remained steady with no reported major entries of new players or disruptive legislative changes affecting production or consumption patterns.

Production nutmeg, mace and cardamoms in Tanzania

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Globally, Tanzania ranked as the 8th largest producer of nutmeg, mace, and cardamoms from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of nutmeg, mace and cardamoms, 2017-2020

World map of production of nutmeg, mace and cardamoms, 2017-2020

Following two years of growth, Tanzania's production of nutmeg, mace, and cardamoms declined in 2020. That year, output reached 802.9 t, down 1.8% from the previous year. Production peaked in 2019 at 817.4 t, with the largest annual increase of 1.9% occurring in 2018.

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

Exports nutmeg, mace and cardamoms from Tanzania

Exports in kind, t

The export market displayed volatility during this period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 0.0 t, then surged to a peak of 143.9 t in 2020, representing an 18.4% increase from the previous year. This created a {ampRatio}-fold gap between the trough and peak. The sharpest decline of 100.0% was recorded in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, India, and Turkey were the primary markets for Tanzania's exports in kind. The United Kingdom accounted for 39.1% of exports, India for 22.7%, and Turkey for 9.2%. Together, these three countries represented 71.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Tanzania's nutmeg, mace, and cardamoms exports in value terms grew for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 1 238 K $ US—a moderate 9.9% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 41 257 630.7%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 7 344.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, Qatar, and India were the main destinations for Tanzania's nutmeg, mace, and cardamoms exports in value terms. The United Kingdom led with 45.8% of exports, followed by Qatar at 18.7% and India at 18.5%. Combined, these three markets accounted for 83.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports nutmeg, mace and cardamoms to Tanzania

Imports in kind, t

Import data showed irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market. Imports peaked in 2019 at 42.6 t, then fell sharply to 7.0 t in 2020—an 83.5% decrease from the previous year. This resulted in a 6.1-fold difference between the high and low points. The largest increase of 381.5% occurred in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates dominated Tanzania's imports in kind, accounting for 71.2% of the total. The remaining imports were distributed among a diverse group of smaller countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports in value terms reached their highest point in 2017 and dropped to a low in 2020, showing a 3-fold shift. In 2020, Tanzania imported approximately 5 K $ US of nutmeg, mace, and cardamoms, marking a sharp 62.0% decline from the previous year. The largest decrease of 64.4% was recorded in 2018, while the largest increase of 146.7% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates remained the leading supplier of nutmeg, mace, and cardamoms to Tanzania in value terms, accounting for 76.3% of total imports. The rest was spread across numerous other countries.

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

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