Shelled almonds market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The shelled almonds market in Western Africa began the period at 1 180 tons in 2018, then contracted to 1 045 tons in 2019 before rebounding to 1 247 tons in 2020. During these years, severe droughts in California—a major global production region—constrained worldwide almond supply, while rising consumer awareness of health benefits began to boost international demand for nuts and healthy snacks.

Market volume retreated to 1 039 tons in 2021. A modest recovery followed in 2022, with volume reaching 1 075 tons, a period coinciding with a robust global increase in demand for almond-based snacks and dairy alternatives driven by health-conscious trends. However, the market experienced a sharp contraction in 2023, collapsing to 421 tons, a decline of over 60%.

Production shelled almonds in Western Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of shelled almonds, 2017-2020

World map of production of shelled almonds, 2017-2020

Western Africa's shelled almond production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 1,305 tonnes of shelled almonds, marking an 8.0% decrease from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production overall increased by 9.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1,603 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 34.3% also occurring that year. Conversely, the most significant decline was observed in 2019, when production dropped by 11.5%.

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

Exports shelled almonds from Western Africa

Exports in kind, t

Exports of shelled almonds from Western Africa have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volumes reached 616 tonnes, representing a 14.0% increase compared to the previous year. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 54.1%, averaging an annual decline of 22.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 509 tonnes, which also saw the largest year-on-year drop of 62.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary destinations for Western Africa's shelled almond exports were the United States, the Netherlands, and India. The United States accounted for 8.4% of exports in volume, the Netherlands for 4.6%, and India for 1.4%. Together, these three markets made up 14.5% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports in value terms peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2019, with a 5.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, shelled almond shipments from Western Africa abroad amounted to $3,733,000, reflecting a sharp increase of 108.3% from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at $1,792,000, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 58.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States and the Netherlands were the dominant markets for Western Africa's shelled almond exports in value terms, accounting for the majority of export revenue. Other markets played a less significant role during this period.

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

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

Imports shelled almonds to Western Africa

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over the period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 6.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Western Africa imported approximately 558 tonnes of shelled almonds, which is 234.6% higher than the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 85 tonnes, and the largest decline also occurred in 2018 with a drop of 9.5%.

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

An analysis of import volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. The United Arab Emirates accounted for 5.8% of imports in volume, France for 2.1%, and Spain for 1.4%. Combined, these three partners represented only 9.3% of total import flows, with the remaining 90.7% coming from other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data indicates irregular changes, suggesting a volatile market environment. Imports in value terms varied significantly, with a 4.1-fold difference between the maximum in 2020 and the minimum in 2018. In 2020, shelled almond deliveries to Western Africa totaled $1,756,000, showing a sharp rise of 148.8% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at $428,000, and the largest decline also occurred in 2018 with a decrease of 12.1%.

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

During 2017–2020, imports in value terms of shelled almonds to Western Africa were spread across a large number of markets. Spain accounted for 17.3% of import value, France for 10.6%, and the United States for 8.1%. Together, these three countries made up only 36.0% of total import flows.

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

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