Salted, brined, dried or smoked pork market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork in Sub-Saharan Africa expanded significantly from 35 728 т in 2018 to 63 033 т in 2022. This sustained growth was primarily driven by urbanization and rising middle-class incomes, which increased demand for convenient, processed meat products. The expansion of supermarket and hypermarket chains improved product accessibility and consumer trust, while the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further boosted preference for shelf-stable options due to supply chain disruptions.

After peaking in 2022, the market volume contracted to 52 843 т in 2023. During this period, investments in cold chain infrastructure and the rise of e-commerce platforms with temperature-controlled delivery services enhanced distribution efficiency. Pork products also gained market share due to their affordability and shorter production cycles compared to other meats.

Artisanal smoked pork varieties gained popularity in urban gourmet markets, adding value to the segment. Regulatory restrictions on fresh meat imports in some countries benefited processed alternatives, supporting domestic production. The market's evolution reflects a broader shift towards packaged foods in response to demographic trends and retail modernization.

Production salted, brined, dried or smoked pork in Sub-Saharan Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of salted, brined, dried or smoked pork, 2017-2020

World map of production of salted, brined, dried or smoked pork, 2017-2020

Production of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork in Sub-Saharan Africa has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 39 782 tonnes, marking a solid year-on-year growth of 19.9%. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 28.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 8.7%.

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

Exports salted, brined, dried or smoked pork from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 108 tonnes, then peaked in 2018 at 617 tonnes, representing a 5.7-fold difference. In 2020, shipments from Sub-Saharan Africa totaled 269 tonnes, a sharp increase of 149.8% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 82.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 207.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, and Hong Kong consistently led the export structure in terms of volume. Vietnam accounted for 9.3% of exports, the UAE for 7.3%, and Hong Kong for 2.4%, together making up 19.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Exports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork from Sub-Saharan Africa declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 312 thousand US dollars, down 7.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 35.8%, with an annualized rate of 13.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 4 122 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 39.4%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 14.5%.

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

In the 2017–2020 period, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and Hong Kong were the main destinations for exports in value terms. The UAE accounted for 12.7% of exports, Vietnam for 7.2%, and Hong Kong for 1.9%, together representing 21.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports salted, brined, dried or smoked pork to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, t

The market experienced notable volatility in these years. Imports fluctuated widely, with a high in 2017 and a low in 2020, showing an 11.5-fold difference. In 2020, imports into Sub-Saharan Africa totaled 2 587 tonnes, a decrease of 44.8% compared to 2019. The largest decline was in 2018, falling by 85.7%, while the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 9.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Germany formed the core of imports in terms of volume. The Netherlands accounted for 57.0% of imports, Portugal for 13.8%, and Germany for 5.3%, together comprising 76.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of salted, brined, dried, or smoked pork into Sub-Saharan Africa declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, import volume reached 9 547 thousand US dollars, representing a 31.4% loss compared to the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 51%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.2%.

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

The import structure in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diversified, with Portugal, Italy, and France as key players. Portugal accounted for 26.4% of imports, Italy for 11.1%, and France for 10.9%, together making up 48.4% of total flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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