Pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat market in Sao Tome and Principe

Earlier Report Observations

The market for pig fat in São Tomé and Príncipe experienced significant growth from 2019 to 2023, recovering from a dip in 2019 when volume fell to around 38 600 kg. A notable expansion began in 2020, with market volume increasing by over 22% to approximately 47 200 kg. This surge coincided with a broader national trend favoring high-quality, locally sourced gourmet food products, highlighted by international accolades such as an award in Paris for dried coconut oil from São Tomé and Príncipe. The growing appreciation for local quality likely bolstered demand for domestically produced pig fat as a valued ingredient, supporting increased production.

Market growth accelerated sharply in 2022, with volume jumping 28% to about 58 100 kg, and further rising to 62 000 kg in 2023. Over the four years from 2019, the total market volume expanded by more than 60%. This sustained increase occurred alongside minimal imports, indicating the market was primarily supplied by domestic production, which mirrored the consumption trend closely.

Production pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in Sao Tome and Principe

In kind, 2017-2020, kg

Top producers of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, 2017-2020

World map of production of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, 2017-2020

After a two-year decline, São Tomé and Príncipe's production of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat rebounded. In 2020, the country produced 47 060 kg, marking a 22.3% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 4.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 38 470 kg, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 10.7% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in Sao Tome and Principe in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Exports pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from Sao Tome and Principe

Market overview data indicate that São Tomé and Príncipe did not export any pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat between 2017 and 2020.

Imports pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat to Sao Tome and Principe

Imports in kind, kg

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import volumes varied significantly, with an 8.3-fold difference between the high in 2017 and the low in 2019. In 2020, São Tomé and Príncipe imported 185 kg of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, a 45.7% rise compared to 2019. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 127 kg, which also saw the largest decline of 87.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sao Tome and Principe in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal dominated the imports in kind of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat to São Tomé and Príncipe, accounting for 98.5% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Sao Tome and Principe in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

Market behavior during these years was marked by volatility. Import values peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2019, with a 7.2-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, São Tomé and Príncipe's imports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat amounted to 1 501 US dollars, a dramatic 63.5% increase from the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 918 US dollars, while the maximum was in 2018 at 6 628 US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 86.1% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sao Tome and Principe in value, 2017-2020, $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal effectively monopolized the imports in value terms of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat to São Tomé and Príncipe, capturing 97.0% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Sao Tome and Principe in value, 2017-2020