Palm nuts and kernels market in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Earlier Report Observations

Production of palm nuts and kernels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo rose from 1 890 thousand tons in 2018 to 2 020 thousand tons in 2019, marking a significant increase. The market volume then dipped to 1 930 thousand tons in 2020 and stabilized around 1 950 thousand tons through 2023, showing modest annual fluctuations.

Insecurity in the eastern region disrupted processing plants in Butembo during 2022, yet overall production still recorded a slight uptick. The following year, industry major Plantations et Huileries du Congo (PHC) boosted its palm oil output by 30% to 80 000 tons, reflecting increased processing capacity and industry engagement through international conferences.

The DRC joined the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) in 2024, facilitating greater market access and technical cooperation. Concurrently, the government urged farmers to expand oil palm cultivation, and sector players advocated for fiscal measures like VAT exemptions to support the industry.

Production palm nuts and kernels in Democratic Republic of the Congo

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo ranked 14th globally in terms of palm nuts and kernels production volume.

Top producers of palm nuts and kernels, 2017-2020

World map of production of palm nuts and kernels, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, palm nuts and kernels production in the Democratic Republic of the Congo declined. In 2020, the country produced 1 930 K t, which was 4.5% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 2.7%, averaging an annual growth rate of 0.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 2 020 K t, with the largest annual increase of 6.9% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports palm nuts and kernels from Democratic Republic of the Congo

Exports in kind, kg

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, showing a dramatic 3 246-fold difference between these years. In 2020, cross-border shipments of palm nuts and kernels from the Democratic Republic of the Congo totaled 15 000 kg, representing a 28.6% decrease year-over-year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 31 008 kg. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 32.3% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2018, surging by 324 459.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Between 2017 and 2020, palm nuts and kernels from the Democratic Republic of the Congo were exported almost exclusively to Uganda, which accounted for 100.0% of total exports in kind.

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

World map of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, $ US

The market displayed volatile behavior during these years. Export values varied significantly, with a 70-fold difference between the high in 2018 and the low in 2020. In 2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo exported palm nuts and kernels worth 27 US dollars, marking a sharp decrease of 36.4% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 881 US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 97.7% drop, while the most substantial increase was in 2018, rising by 5 410.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Uganda dominated the export partner structure in value terms, consistently representing 100.0% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020

Imports palm nuts and kernels to Democratic Republic of the Congo

Imports in kind, kg

In 2019, palm nuts and kernels imports to the Democratic Republic of the Congo amounted to 1 066 kg, showing little change from 2018. Over the period from 2017 to 2019, imports increased by 1 619.4%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 158.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, palm nuts and kernels were imported to the Democratic Republic of the Congo primarily from Belgium, which accounted for 97.4% of total imports in kind.

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

World map of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

In 2019, the value of palm nuts and kernels imports to the Democratic Republic of the Congo was 3 188 US dollars, remaining relatively stable compared to 2018. Between 2017 and 2019, imports decreased by 72%, averaging an annual decline of 34.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Benin and Belgium were the main suppliers of palm nuts and kernels to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, together accounting for 100.0% of total imports in value terms.

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

World map of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020