Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in SADC grew from 166.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 171.1 thousand tons in 2020. This increase was driven by higher domestic production, as outputs of soybeans, sunflower seeds, and groundnuts rose due to favorable growing conditions. A weaker domestic currency and elevated international prices, particularly for sunflower seed following production challenges in the Black Sea region, further incentivized local cultivation and supported market expansion.

Market volume experienced a minor contraction to 171.0 thousand tons in 2021 before climbing to 173.7 thousand tons by 2023. Global supply disruptions, including reduced sunflower seed harvests in Ukraine and lower rapeseed production in the EU, maintained high international prices and encouraged continued local output. The growth was also aided by increased domestic crushing capacity for sunflower seeds, which reduced import dependence, while the concentrated processing sector captured wider margins during periods of inflation.

Production oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

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

SADC's production of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 171.6 thousand tonnes, marking a modest 2.7% increase from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production rose by 4.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.6%.

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

Exports oil seeds and oleaginous fruits from SADC

Exports in kind, t

The market for exports in kind experienced significant fluctuations during this period. Volumes hit their lowest point in 2018 at 493 tonnes, then peaked in 2017, with the difference between these years being 7.6 times. In 2020, SADC exported 1 475 tonnes of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, a substantial 76.2% jump compared to 2019. The sharpest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 86.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Japan, and Turkey were the leading destinations for exports in kind, contributing 34.6%, 20.3%, and 10.6% respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for 65.6% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Exports of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits from SADC in value terms have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 808 thousand US dollars, down 0.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, export value plummeted by 81.9%, averaging an annual decline of 43.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main buyers by value were China, Japan, and Vietnam, accounting for 27.7%, 23.8%, and 9.5% of exports respectively. Combined, these three markets made up 61.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports oil seeds and oleaginous fruits to SADC

Imports in kind, t

Imports of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits into SADC in kind have decreased for the second year running. In 2020, imports stood at 996 tonnes, a significant 22.2% drop from 2019. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 576 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 60.6%.

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

The import market in kind from 2017 to 2020 was diverse, with China, the United States, and the Netherlands as the top sources, contributing 23.5%, 8.7%, and 7.6% respectively. Together, they represented just 39.8% of total imports, while the remaining 60.2% came from a wide range of other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market in value terms showed volatility over the observed period. The lowest point was in 2017, followed by a peak in 2018, with a 1.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 719 thousand US dollars, a solid 24.0% decrease year-over-year. The maximum value was in 2018 at 3 746 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 73.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner landscape for imports in value terms was broad. China, the Netherlands, and Argentina were the leading sources, accounting for 29.4%, 10.7%, and 6.3% respectively. Together, they formed only 46.4% of total import value, with the substantial remaining 53.6% supplied by numerous other countries.

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

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