Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits market in Mali

Earlier Report Observations

The market for oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in Mali expanded from 133 thousand tons in 2018 to 164 thousand tons in 2019. This growth was driven by state-led agricultural programs, including the distribution of improved seeds and support for farm mechanization under the National Agricultural Mechanization Promotion Program. The emerging sesame sector also gained traction, adding to production volumes.

In 2020, market volume contracted to 145 thousand tons as the COVID-19 pandemic led to a drop in global cotton prices, prompting the state-owned Compagnie Malienne pour le Développement du Textile (CMDT) to lower its farm-gate price for cotton seed. This discouraged output. A modest recovery to 149 thousand tons followed in 2021, aided by the continued rollout of climate-resilient seed varieties and investments in local processing capacity for oilseeds.

The market surged to 208 thousand tons in 2022 after the government set a guaranteed purchase price of 285 CFA francs per kilogram for cotton seed, stimulating planting. Irrigation projects aimed at boosting cereal and vegetable production also contributed to the increase. In 2023, the market adjusted downward to 179 thousand tons.

Production oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in Mali

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Mali ranked as the world's 7th largest producer of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits.

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

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

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. Production reached its lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2019 with 226.1 thousand tons, creating a 4.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, output fell sharply to 168.0 thousand tons, a 25.7% decrease compared to 2019. The most substantial year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, when production surged by 192.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Mali in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports oil seeds and oleaginous fruits from Mali

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed considerable instability, reflecting a turbulent market environment. The lowest level was recorded in 2017, while exports peaked in 2019 at 61 995 tons, representing an 8.2-fold increase over the 2017 figure. In 2020, Mali's exports of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits dropped significantly to 23 409 tons, marking a 62.2% year-on-year decline. The most dramatic growth occurred in 2019, with exports expanding by 434.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Denmark emerged as the primary destination for Mali's oil seeds and oleaginous fruit exports in volume terms, accounting for 78.3% of total shipments. The remaining exports were distributed among several smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market demonstrated notable volatility throughout the observed period. Values reached their lowest point in 2017, then climbed to a peak of 32 552 thousand US dollars in 2019, representing a 23-fold increase. In 2020, export earnings declined to 13 597 thousand US dollars, a 58.2% drop compared to the previous year. The most significant year-on-year growth occurred in 2019, with a 405.2% increase.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Mali's export market in value terms was highly concentrated, with Denmark alone responsible for 92.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports oil seeds and oleaginous fruits to Mali

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes experienced dramatic fluctuations during this period. The lowest level was recorded in 2018 at 0.0 tons, while imports peaked in 2017, creating a 160 008-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Mali imported 49 tons of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, representing a massive 6 629.1% increase compared to 2019. The most substantial decline occurred in 2018, with imports falling by 100.0%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 24 266.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mali's import market in volume terms was highly concentrated, with Burkina Faso accounting for 90.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values showed significant volatility during the period. The minimum was recorded in 2018 at 0.2 thousand US dollars, while values peaked in 2017, representing a 112-fold difference. In 2020, Mali imported 2 thousand US dollars worth of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, marking a 38.6% decrease compared to 2019. The most dramatic decline occurred in 2018 with a 99.1% drop, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 2 052.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Burkina Faso was the dominant source for Mali's imports of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in value terms, accounting for 74.8% of total import flows. The remaining imports came from several smaller markets.

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

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