Palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions market in Côte d'Ivoire

Earlier Report Observations

Production of palm kernel or babassu oil in Côte d'Ivoire grew from 47 400 t in 2018 to 59 800 t in 2023. This expansion was initiated by the 2018 law establishing the Hevea-Palmier Council to regulate the rubber and oil palm sectors, coupled with the launch of the third national oil palm plan targeting 600 000 t of crude palm oil by 2020. The following year, a village plantation rehabilitation program led by PALMCI/SIFCA, distributing seedlings and providing training, contributed to higher yields. In 2020, the publication of the detailed feasibility report for the National Palm Oil Development Fund (PNDF) allocated 1.4 billion FCFA to finance production and replanting costs, while Agrivar's RSPO certification set new sustainability standards for the industry. Continued PNDF budgetary support of 1.6 billion FCFA in 2021 and the ongoing expansion of PALMCI's agro-industrial capacity further boosted output.

Domestic market volume fluctuated during the period, peaking at 39 064 t in 2020 but falling to 35 686 t in 2022 before recovering to 39 615 t in 2023. These movements were influenced by export variations, which rose from 16 760 t in 2018 to 23 214 t in 2022 before dipping to 20 185 t in 2023. PALMCI's acquisition of an additional 1 300 ha of plantations in 2022 strengthened local supply, and its 19% revenue growth reflected higher overall palm oil volumes. However, the market faced internal tensions in 2023 from a pricing dispute between growers and processors, alongside reported illegal imports of refined palm oil from Southeast Asia that increased competitive pressure. In 2024, the sector saw updated purchase tariffs for crude palm oil and fresh fruit bunches, alongside continued PNDF funding of 976.6 million FCFA aimed at price stabilization and smallholder support.

Production palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions in Côte d'Ivoire

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Côte d'Ivoire ranked as the world's 11th largest producer of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions.

Top producers of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions, 2017-2020

Following two years of growth, Côte d'Ivoire's production of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions declined. In 2020, the country produced 51 500 tonnes, marking a 5.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 17.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.6%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 54 700 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 15.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of decline, Côte d'Ivoire's production value of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions rebounded. In 2020, output was valued at 37 934 thousand US dollars, representing a 7.8% increase from 2019. However, between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 20.8%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 7.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 35 198 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 15.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions from Côte d'Ivoire

Exports in kind, t

After two consecutive years of growth, Côte d'Ivoire's export volume of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions fell. In 2020, exports totaled 12 436 tonnes, showing a sharp decline of 38.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 20.6%, with an average annual decline of 7.4%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 20 207 tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 20.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Italy, and Mali were the main destinations for Côte d'Ivoire's palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions exports in kind. Together, they accounted for 75.9% of total exports, with the Netherlands representing 28.0%, Italy 27.3%, and Mali 20.5%.

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

World map of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Côte d'Ivoire's export value of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 9 160 thousand US dollars, down 29.5% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 46.7%, equating to an average annual decline of 18.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, the Netherlands, Italy, and Mali remained the top buyers of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions from Côte d'Ivoire in value terms. Collectively, they accounted for 74.6% of total export value, with the Netherlands at 32.4%, Italy at 24.6%, and Mali at 17.6%.

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

World map of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020

Imports palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions to Côte d'Ivoire

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed significant volatility during this period. In 2020, imports amounted to just 0.1 tonnes, a 90.4% decrease from the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 655 tonnes, which saw the largest annual increase of 621.5%. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 99.9%. Overall, imports varied dramatically, with a 13 102-fold difference between the peak in 2018 and the low in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Gabon and Guinea dominated Côte d'Ivoire's imports of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions in kind, together accounting for 99.9% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. In 2020, imports were valued at 0.3 thousand US dollars, a 91.9% decrease compared to 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 509 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest annual increase of 2 249.2%. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 99.3%. Overall, import values fluctuated widely, with a 1 706-fold difference between the high in 2018 and the low in 2020.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Gabon consistently accounted for 88.9% of Côte d'Ivoire's total import value of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions, indicating high market concentration. The remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

World map of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020