Rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for rapeseed, colza or mustard oil in Northern Africa grew from 9 017 metric tons to 12 730 metric tons. This expansion was supported by the strong presence of international agribusinesses like Bunge, Wilmar, and Cargill, which increased the availability of imported oils on the African market. Sustained French exports to the Maghreb and West Africa further bolstered port activity and supply flows into the region. In 2020, good rapeseed harvests in Europe helped stabilize global supplies for African importers, facilitating continued growth.

Market volume surged to 23 832 metric tons by 2022, nearly doubling from 2020 levels. Industrial development policies in some African countries encouraged local production capacity, though imports remained the primary source of supply. The war in Ukraine in 2022 triggered a spike in global oilseed prices and disrupted supply chains, prompting African markets to increase import volumes to meet demand. Concurrently, expanded canola crushing capacity in Canada altered worldwide trade flows, influencing sourcing patterns for Northern Africa.

By 2023, the market stabilized at 23 461 metric tons. Underlying demand from the food and industrial sectors continued to support moderate market growth, but consumption and import patterns were influenced by the sensitivity of rapeseed prices to oil price fluctuations and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.

Production rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions, 2017-2020

In Northern Africa, production of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions declined for the second consecutive year. In 2019, output saw a slight fluctuation, with the largest decrease of 1.2% recorded that year. The following year, in 2020, production reached 8 207 tonnes, showing only marginal changes compared to 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2018, though it was minimal at 0.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports peaked in 2018 at 4 583 tonnes, then plummeted to their lowest point in 2020 at just 0.2 tonnes, representing a dramatic 100.0% drop from the previous year. This resulted in a peak-to-trough ratio of 25 971 times. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, soaring by 134 105.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in kind were heavily concentrated in two countries: Mauritania and Italy. Together, they accounted for 100.0% of total export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Exports in value terms reached their highest point in 2019 at 2 846 thousand US dollars, then fell sharply to their lowest level in 2020 at 0.2 thousand US dollars, marking a decrease of 100.0% compared to 2019. This swing amounted to 11 859 times. The largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 11 967.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the geographical distribution of exports in value terms was dominated by Italy and Mauritania. Combined, these two countries represented 99.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Northern Africa imported 4 682 tonnes of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions, a decrease of 36.9% from 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports fell by 53.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -22.7%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 46.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 36.0%.

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

During 2017–2020, the structure of imports in kind was led by France, Russia, and the Netherlands. France accounted for 41.4% of imports, Russia for 22.1%, and the Netherlands for 13.8%, together making up 77.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, imports of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions into Northern Africa amounted to 4 682 thousand US dollars, down by 28.4% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 48.2%, equating to an annualized rate of -19.7%. The largest decline was in 2018 at 43.2%, while the largest increase was in 2019, up by 27.3%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the key partners for imports in value terms were France, Russia, and the Netherlands. France contributed 40.3% of imports, Russia 19.1%, and the Netherlands 15.5%, collectively accounting for 74.9% of total import flows.

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

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