Raw cane or beet sugar in solid form market in Côte d'Ivoire

Earlier Report Observations

The sugar market in Côte d'Ivoire grew from 217.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 235 thousand tons in 2019, supported by a government policy banning sugar imports to protect local producers and major investments such as the Somdiaa group's XOF 84 billion injection into its subsidiary Sucaf to enhance competitiveness. High yields from irrigated plantations also contributed to robust local production. However, in 2020, both production and market volume declined to 210 thousand tons and 217 thousand tons respectively, even as Sucaf continued to manage its plantations in favorable climatic conditions.

Production recovered to 225 thousand tons in 2021, bringing market size back to 235.2 thousand tons with imports of 10.2 thousand tons. By 2022, the market reached a peak of 246.9 thousand tons, driven by a surge in imports to 21.9 thousand tons while domestic output remained steady at 225 thousand tons.

In 2023, imports dropped to zero, reducing the market volume to 225 thousand tons despite stable production. This coincided with the start of the 2023-2024 sugar campaign across three mills and reported supply tensions, leading to price increases and calls from the industry association to avoid speculative stockpiling. The ongoing import ban, later extended for five years in 2024, along with new production targets from major players like Sucaf, underscored the push for self-sufficiency.

Production raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in Côte d'Ivoire

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, 2017-2020

World map of production of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, 2017-2020

After two consecutive years of growth, Côte d'Ivoire's production of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form declined. In 2020, the country produced 210.0 K t, marking a modest decrease of 6.7% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production overall increased by 4.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.5%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 225.0 K t, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 6.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from Côte d'Ivoire

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 4.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from Côte d'Ivoire totaled 1 t, representing a significant increase of 131.2% over the prior year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 30.8%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a jump of 208.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for Côte d'Ivoire's exports in kind were Cameroon, Liberia, and France. Together, these countries accounted for 24.1% 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 Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest export value was observed in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 17 times. In 2020, cross-border shipments of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from Côte d'Ivoire were valued at 2 K $ US, reflecting a sharp increase of 61.5% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 18.7%, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a surge of 1 201.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Cameroon, Liberia, and France remained the main buyers of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from Côte d'Ivoire in value terms. Cameroon accounted for 5.2% of exports, Liberia for 2.4%, and France for 2.0%. Collectively, these three markets represented 9.6% of total export value during this period.

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

World map of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020

Imports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to Côte d'Ivoire

Imports in kind, t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed years. Import volumes peaked in 2017 and bottomed out in 2018, with a 5.7-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form into Côte d'Ivoire reached 7 006 t, indicating a steep decline of 29.8% compared to the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 600 t. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 82.3%, while the largest increase was in 2019 with a rise of 177.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical pattern of imports in kind highlighted a strong dependence on Brazil, which absorbed 95.2% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Import values hit their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2017, with a 7.1-fold gap between these extremes. In 2020, imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form into Côte d'Ivoire amounted to 3 151 K $ US, corresponding to an abrupt decrease of 26.3% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 520 K $ US. The largest decline was in 2018 with a fall of 86.0%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a jump of 181.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil was overwhelmingly dominant in Côte d'Ivoire's imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in value terms, accounting for 96.3% of total import value during this period.

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

World map of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020