Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits market in Mozambique

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in Mozambique gradually declined from 32.2 thousand tons to 31.5 thousand tons, while production eased from 32.3 thousand tons to 31.7 thousand tons. This period saw foundational efforts to bolster the sector, including the launch of the Oleaginous Production Program to reduce import dependency and the provision of subsidized credit for seed imports and agricultural campaigns. Concurrently, a significant increase in the use of fertilizers and pesticides, alongside growing output of certified seeds in key provinces, helped sustain the production base against the downward trend.

A sharp contraction occurred in 2021, with market volume falling to 29.1 thousand tons. This was primarily driven by a spike in exports, which leapt to 2.2 thousand tons. The surge was facilitated by the SUSTENTA program, which stimulated demand and production of certified seeds, leading to an output of around 12 thousand tons in the 2021-2022 season. The Institute of Cotton and Oilseeds (IAOM) also prioritized seed certification and production during this period, enhancing the quality and quantity available for export.

Market volume recovered to 30.5 thousand tons by 2023, supported by a normalization of exports and stronger domestic value chains. Increased private sector participation was evident in the growing seed business for crops like maize, rice, cowpeas, and soy. Investments in modern processing technology, such as new factories in Mocuba, and the expansion of financing mechanisms like the Agricultural Marketing Revolving Fund (FRCA) and Agricultural Marketing Credit Line (LCCA) improved commercialization and processing capacity, fostering greater market stability.

Production oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in Mozambique

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Mozambique ranked 27th globally in the production 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

Mozambique's production of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 31 720 tonnes, which was 1.1% lower than in 2019. Production peaked in 2018 at 32 345 tonnes, marking the largest annual increase of 3.9%.

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

Exports oil seeds and oleaginous fruits from Mozambique

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports dropped to a low of 171 tonnes in 2018, which was 94.9% lower than the previous year. They then rebounded sharply in 2019, increasing by 77.7%. In 2020, Mozambique exported 279 tonnes, representing a moderate decrease of 8.2% from 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China and Japan were the dominant destinations for Mozambique's exports of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in kind, jointly accounting for 85.2% of total flows. The remaining volume was distributed among smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Export values fell to a low of 49 000 US dollars in 2019, which was 92.2% lower than in 2018. In 2020, exports rebounded to 53 000 US dollars, up by 8.3% year-on-year.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, China and Japan consistently accounted for 95.7% of Mozambique's total export value for oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, indicating a highly concentrated market with a long tail of smaller participants.

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

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

Imports oil seeds and oleaginous fruits to Mozambique

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed considerable volatility. They reached a peak of 83 tonnes in 2019, which was a dramatic increase of 1 492.4% from the previous year. However, imports then fell sharply to 30 tonnes in 2020, down by 63.9% compared to 2019, after hitting a low of 5 tonnes in 2018 with a decline of 79.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, South Africa and Portugal were the dominant suppliers of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits to Mozambique in kind, together accounting for 93.8% of total imports. Other sources each held relatively small shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market demonstrated volatility over the observed period. Values dropped to a low of 11 000 US dollars in 2018, declining by 76.6%. They then surged by 586.8% in 2019 before reaching 156 000 US dollars in 2020, up by 114.1% from the previous year.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, South Africa (48.6% of import value), the Netherlands (26.9%), and Portugal (20.5%) remained the key sources for Mozambique's imports of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in value terms, collectively accounting for 96.0% of total flows.

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

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