Pork market in Sao Tome and Principe

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh, chilled, or frozen pork market in Sao Tome and Principe saw its production volume increase from 508 tons in 2018 to 776 tons in 2023, though not without fluctuations. A notable dip occurred in 2019, followed by a strong recovery in 2020, before another slight contraction in 2021. The most significant expansion took place in 2022.

A pivotal shift began in 2021 with the presentation of a national agricultural product marketing strategy by the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Services, designed to improve local distribution channels. This effort to enhance commercialization was accompanied by prospecting visits from Gabonese entrepreneurs exploring the market for exportable goods, indicating potential new player entry. These developments helped set the stage for a substantial 28% production surge to 726 tons in 2022.

Growth continued into 2023, with output reaching 776 tons. That year also featured the announcement of a move toward launching 100% organic local agricultural production from 2024 onward, pointing to the emergence of a new product segment. In 2024, the government validated a national strategic plan for fisheries and aquaculture, reflecting a broader policy emphasis on strengthening domestic food production systems.

Production pork in Sao Tome and Principe

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of pork, 2017-2020

World map of production of pork, 2017-2020

Following two consecutive years of decline, pork production in São Tomé and Príncipe rebounded in 2020. The country produced 595.0 t of pork that year, representing a significant 22.3% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the broader 2017-2020 period, production grew by 4.6% overall, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest production level during this timeframe occurred in 2019 at 486.3 t. The most substantial year-over-year decrease happened in 2018 when production fell by 10.7%.

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

Exports pork from Sao Tome and Principe

According to market report data, São Tomé and Príncipe did not export any pork between 2017 and 2020.

Imports pork to Sao Tome and Principe

Imports in kind, kg

The market experienced considerable volatility during this period. Import volumes varied dramatically, with the peak year of 2019 seeing imports 6.2 times higher than the low point in 2017. In 2020, São Tomé and Príncipe imported 288.0 kg of pork, marking a 16.0% decrease from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal and China accounted for all pork imports to São Tomé and Príncipe. Portugal dominated with 98.5% of total import volume, while China supplied the remaining 1.5%.

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

The market demonstrated significant price volatility throughout the observed period. The difference between the highest import value in 2019 and the lowest in 2017 was substantial, with the peak being 24 times greater than the trough. In 2020, the value of pork imports to São Tomé and Príncipe totaled 5 724 US dollars, reflecting a sharp 29.0% decline compared to 2019.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Portugal overwhelmingly dominated pork imports to São Tomé and Príncipe in value terms, accounting for 99.8% of total import expenditure.

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