Palm oil and fractions market in Burundi

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the palm oil market volume in Burundi contracted from 37 522 t to 24 983 t. The initial volume in 2018 was supported by a record production of 23 500 t, achieved through the expansion of modern oil palm plantations and seed imports aimed at boosting local cultivation. However, the President's 2020 call for improved quality in industrial products, including palm oil, highlighted ongoing challenges within the sector.

The downturn continued, with market volume reaching a low of 20 908 t in 2022. That year, a sharp rise in international oil prices increased production and transport costs, which significantly reduced imports. The trend reversed in 2023 when the adoption of new investment laws and the promotion of special economic zones for agribusiness stimulated import activity, which surged to 9 565 t and lifted the total market volume to 26 541 t.

In 2024, authorities implemented tax exemptions on palm oil to support local consumption and launched government-funded programs to intensify agricultural production, including in the palm oil sector, aiming to build on the previous year's recovery.

Production palm oil and fractions in Burundi

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of palm oil and fractions, 2017-2020

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

Burundi's palm oil and fractions production saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 25 545 tons. However, by 2020, output had fallen sharply to 17 262 tons, marking a 32.4% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production dropped by 21%, averaging an annual decline of 7.6%. The most significant growth occurred in 2018, with an 8.3% increase.

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

Exports palm oil and fractions from Burundi

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes varied significantly, with a 5.2-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2020. In 2020, Burundi exported 140 tons of palm oil and fractions, representing a 33.5% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 16.6%, while the most substantial growth occurred in 2018 with a 364.2% surge.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were the primary destinations for Burundi's palm oil and fractions exports, accounting for the majority of shipments. Other markets played a relatively minor role during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export values showed a 4.8-fold variation from the peak in 2019 to the trough in 2017. In 2020, the value of palm oil and fractions exports from Burundi totaled 26 000 US dollars, a 62.4% decrease year-over-year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 69 000 US dollars. The most significant increase occurred in 2018, with a 232.3% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania remained the key destinations for Burundi's palm oil and fractions exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 94.3% of total flows. Other trading partners individually contributed much less to the export value.

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

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

Imports palm oil and fractions to Burundi

Imports in kind, t

The import market displayed volatility over the observed period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.2-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Burundi imported 7 861 tons of palm oil and fractions, a 27.7% decrease from the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 13 990 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 117.3%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were the leading sources of palm oil and fractions imports to Burundi in volume terms. Indonesia accounted for 41.6% of imports, Malaysia for 22.0%, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for 16.2%. Together, these three countries represented 79.8% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Burundi's palm oil and fractions imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import value amounted to 6 261 000 US dollars, a 19.6% contraction year-over-year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 10 741 000 US dollars. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 3%, averaging an annual decline of 1.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 27.5%, while the most significant increase was in 2018 with a 66.5% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo formed the main cluster of markets for Burundi's palm oil and fractions imports in value terms. Indonesia accounted for 41.2% of import value, Malaysia for 20.4%, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for 12.9%. Collectively, these three countries represented 74.5% of total import flows.

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

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