Palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions market in Middle Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for palm kernel and babassu oil in Middle Africa expanded from 43.2 thousand tons in 2018 to 50.9 thousand tons in 2020. This growth was supported by established local producers such as PALMCI, which operated industrial plantations, and gained momentum in 2020 when the Cameroonian government integrated the palm oil sector into its agricultural development plans, providing budgetary support to stimulate local production and processing.

Market volume increased sharply to 61.4 thousand tons in 2021 and reached 74.6 thousand tons by 2023. This acceleration was driven by rising regional demand and the expansion of palm plantations through foreign investment, particularly from European and Asian investors. In 2023, global price spikes caused by the war in Ukraine and Indonesia's temporary export halt prompted local authorities and industry players to intensify efforts to strengthen domestic production and reduce import dependence, further sustaining market growth.

Production palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions in Middle Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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

Middle Africa's production of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 53 437 tonnes, marking a moderate year-over-year growth of 6.7%. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 47 497 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 12.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Middle Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions from Middle Africa

Exports in kind, t

The export market displayed significant volatility during the observed period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a dramatic 443-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Middle Africa exported 2 655 tonnes of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions, representing a 39.1% decrease from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 977 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 44,206.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands remained the primary destination for Middle Africa's exports of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions in kind, accounting for 72.3% of total flows. Other markets collectively formed a long tail with smaller shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms showed notable fluctuations over the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 241-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Middle Africa's exports of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions totaled 1 924 thousand US dollars, down 24.7% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 3 963 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 24,033.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 35.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands and Spain were the main buyers of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions from Middle Africa in value terms, together accounting for 87.5% of total exports. The remaining share was fragmented across other countries.

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

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

Imports palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions to Middle Africa

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes in kind exhibited considerable volatility during this period. Imports were at their lowest in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 45-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Middle Africa imported 105 tonnes of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions, an 80.5% decrease from the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 639 tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 4,436.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Malaysia, the United States, and Ukraine were the leading sources of imports in kind for Middle Africa. Malaysia accounted for 45.9% of imports, the United States for 2.6%, and Ukraine for 1.9%, together making up 50.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market in value terms was characterized by volatility during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 32-fold change between these periods. In 2020, Middle Africa imported 96 thousand US dollars worth of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions, a sharp decrease of 80.8% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 598 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 3,136.1%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, Malaysia, India, and the United States were the top suppliers of palm kernel or babassu oil and fractions to Middle Africa in value terms. Malaysia accounted for 43.5% of imports, India for 4.8%, and the United States for 3.7%, with their combined share reaching 52.0% of total imports.

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

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