Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits market in Malawi

Earlier Report Observations

The market for oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in Malawi began the period at 5 116 t in 2018, the same year the National Agriculture Investment Plan was launched to build capacity in agricultural production and marketing. This was followed by a contraction to 4 538 t in 2019.

Market volume then stabilized near 4 550 t over the next four years. In 2022, a minor decline to 4 546 t occurred amidst improved farmer access to quality seeds, though fertilizer distribution faced supply shortfalls. The market recovered to 4 581 t in 2023, supported by the enactment of the Seed Bill and Fertilizer Bill which strengthened the regulatory framework, while the Agricultural Commercialisation Project continued working to link producers with commercial value chains.

Production oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in Malawi

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, 2017-2020

World map of production of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, 2017-2020

Malawi's production of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits remained relatively stable in recent years. In 2018, output reached its peak at 4 669 t. The following year, 2019, saw a decline of 2.8% to 4 537 t, which was the lowest level recorded. In 2020, production recovered slightly, increasing by 1.9% to 4 544 t, nearly matching the 2019 figure.

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

Exports oil seeds and oleaginous fruits from Malawi

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits from Malawi showed significant volatility during this period. In 2018, exports peaked at 14.5 t, representing a 6.1% increase from the previous year. However, 2019 saw a dramatic decline of 96.8%, followed by a further drop of 14.8% in 2020 to just 0.4 t. Overall, exports fluctuated 37-fold between the high in 2018 and the low in 2020.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Malawi's exports in kind of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits were dominated by two key markets: Cyprus and South Africa. Together, these two destinations accounted for 96.4% of total export flows, with the remaining share distributed among other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Malawi's oil seeds and oleaginous fruits exports exhibited considerable volatility from 2017 to 2020. In 2017, exports were at their lowest, totaling 19.0 K $ US. The following year, 2018, saw a remarkable surge of 388.7%, reaching a peak of 42.0 K $ US. However, 2019 brought a sharp decline of 51.8%, and by 2020, exports had decreased by 6.5% year-over-year. Overall, export values varied by 4.9 times between the high in 2018 and the low in 2017.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Malawi's exports in value terms of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits were concentrated among three main buyers. Germany was the largest market, accounting for 51.0% of total export value, followed by Cyprus at 25.4% and South Africa at 22.4%. Together, these three countries comprised 98.8% of Malawi's total exports in this category.

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

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

Imports oil seeds and oleaginous fruits to Malawi

Imports in kind, t

Imports of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits into Malawi experienced extreme volatility during this period. In 2018, imports reached their highest level at 461.0 t, marking an increase of 5,322.2% from the previous year. The following year, 2019, saw a drastic decline of 99.6% to just 2.0 t, the lowest point. In 2020, imports rebounded sharply, rising by 107.3% to 4.1 t. Overall, import volumes fluctuated 235-fold between the high in 2018 and the low in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Malawi's imports in kind of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits were overwhelmingly sourced from the United States, which accounted for 96.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of Malawi's imports of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits showed significant fluctuations from 2017 to 2020. In 2017, imports were at their minimum, but in 2018, they surged by 9,037.9% to a peak of 524.5 K $ US. The following year, 2019, saw a sharp decline of 97.9%, followed by a recovery in 2020 with a 20.1% increase to 13.3 K $ US. Overall, import values varied by 91-fold between the maximum in 2018 and the minimum in 2017.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated Malawi's imports in value terms of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, holding a 93.5% share of total import flows.

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

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