Pepper market in Ghana

Earlier Report Observations

The pepper market in Ghana displayed significant volatility from 2018 to 2023, with the overall volume growing from 4 937 t to 5 478 t. This period was marked by two distinct contractions in 2019 and 2021, which were followed by recoveries in the subsequent years.

Domestic production remained consistently stable near 3 800 t per year throughout the entire timeframe. In contrast, import volumes varied widely, from a low of 455 t to a high of 1 769 t, and these swings were the primary driver behind the annual changes in total market size.

The market reached its highest point in 2023, a year that recorded the largest import volume of the period. This surge in imports propelled the market to its peak level, while minimal export activity had a negligible impact on the overall supply.

Production pepper in Ghana

In kind, 2017-2020, t

On a global scale, Ghana ranked as the 16th largest producer of pepper during the period from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of pepper, 2017-2020

World map of production of pepper, 2017-2020

Ghana's pepper production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 3 832 tonnes of pepper, marking a slight rise of 1.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 2.8%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 0.9%.

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

Exports pepper from Ghana

Exports in kind, t

Pepper exports from Ghana increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totalled 176 tonnes, representing a significant advance of 91.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 247.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 51.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Côte d'Ivoire, the United States, and the Netherlands—together accounted for 81.1% of Ghana's total pepper exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 63 thousand US dollars, then peaked in 2020 at 139 thousand US dollars, showing a 2.2-fold variation between these years. In 2020, the value of pepper exports was 0.9% higher than in the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 41.9%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, rising by 119.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—the United States, Côte d'Ivoire, and the Netherlands—together absorbed 87.4% of Ghana's total pepper exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports pepper to Ghana

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, foreign pepper supplies to Ghana increased. In 2020, Ghana imported 1 013 tonnes of pepper, which is 58.1% more than in the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 23.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 8.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 641 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 48.3%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Togo and Vietnam remained the key partner countries for imports in volume terms, with a combined share of 81.2% of total flows; other partners accounted for the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 161 thousand US dollars, then surged to their highest in 2020 at 2 296 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 14.3-fold gap. In 2020, the value of imported pepper was 1,326.7% higher than in 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 47.3%.

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

In 2017–2020, Vietnam (43.4% of imports in value terms), Brazil (26.8% of imports in value terms), and Togo (13.3% of imports in value terms) continued to be the main suppliers of pepper to Ghana, jointly forming 83.4% of total imports in value terms.

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

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