Raw cane or beet sugar in solid form market in Tanzania

Earlier Report Observations

Tanzania's market for raw cane sugar in solid form grew from 371.4 thousand tons in 2018 to 450.1 thousand tons in 2023, with domestic production rising steadily after a dip in 2019. Imports became a significant factor from 2020, reaching 65.1 thousand tons in 2023 to meet demand, as local output increased following improved sugarcane yields in the 2020/2021 season.

The market expansion was underpinned by major capacity investments from leading producers. In 2023, Kilombero Sugar Company launched a plan to triple cane supply from small-scale growers, while Kagera Sugar Limited targeted 300,000 tons through modern agricultural practices and factory upgrades. These moves were supported by public-private partnerships where the government holds minority shares, fostering sector growth toward self-sufficiency.

Heavy rainfall in late 2023 and early 2024 caused production glitches, reducing sugar output by 14%. This prompted the government to double import volumes to 100,000 tons and set indicative retail price ceilings between Sh2,800 and Sh3,200 per kilogram to control market spikes and ensure stable supply.

Production raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in Tanzania

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

In 2020, Tanzania produced 370.0 thousand tons of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, marking a 2.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 371.4 thousand tons. In 2019, production experienced its largest decline of 3.1%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018 with a 5.6% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Tanzania in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from Tanzania

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with a 589-fold difference between these years. In 2019, Tanzania exported 51 tons of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, representing a dramatic year-over-year increase of 58,803.3%. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2018 at just 0.1 tons, which also marked the largest decline of 99.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Yemen, Oman, and Kenya consistently served as the main destinations for Tanzania's exports in kind. Yemen accounted for 42.6% of exports, Oman for 28.9%, and Kenya for 27.9%. Together, these three countries represented 99.4% 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 Tanzania in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the observed timeframe. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with a 277-fold difference between the high in 2017 and the low in 2018. In 2019, Tanzania's exports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form amounted to 10 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp increase of 25,637.4% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 0.0 thousand US dollars, which also represented the largest decline of 99.6%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Kenya, Yemen, and Oman formed the key group of trading partners for Tanzania's exports in value terms. Kenya accounted for 42.4% of export value, Yemen for 33.5%, and Oman for 22.1%. Collectively, these three countries represented 98.0% of total export flows in value terms for raw cane or beet sugar in solid form.

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

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

Imports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to Tanzania

Imports in kind, t

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a 5,115-fold variation between these two years. In 2020, Tanzania imported a total of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, which was 511,399.7% higher compared to the previous year. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 7 tons, which also marked the largest decline of 78.4%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Uganda, India, and Brazil remained the leading sources for Tanzania's imports in kind. Uganda accounted for 39.4% of imports, India for 27.4%, and Brazil for 19.1%. Together, these three countries represented 86.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Import levels fluctuated dramatically, with a 1,994-fold difference between the high in 2020 and the low in 2019. In 2020, Tanzania's imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form stood at 16,831 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp increase of 199,300.8% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 8 thousand US dollars, which also represented the largest decline of 88.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Uganda, India, and Brazil formed the main cluster of markets for Tanzania's imports in value terms. Uganda accounted for 40.6% of import value, India for 25.0%, and Brazil for 18.6%. Collectively, these three countries represented 84.2% of total import flows in value terms.

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

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