Sucrose in solid form market in Nigeria

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, sucrose production in Nigeria increased from 1.2 million tonnes to 1.74 million tonnes. This growth was driven by the Nigerian Sugar Master Plan, an industrial policy aimed at boosting local sugar output through sustained government support and import bans on refined sugar containing added flavoring or coloring matter. The establishment of the National Sugar Development Council in 2021 accelerated sector development, while major player Dangote Sugar Refinery announced significant expansion plans to produce 700 000 metric tonnes from local sugarcane.

Production volumes declined to 1.58 million tonnes in 2022 and further to 1.5 million tonnes in 2023. The decrease in 2023 was partly due to global supply chain disruptions affecting the market. Throughout the period, import restrictions on specific sugar products remained in force, and rising demand from Nigeria's large food and beverage sector, particularly soft drinks and bakery, continued to influence consumption patterns.

Production sucrose in solid form in Nigeria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Nigeria ranked as the 29th largest producer of solid sucrose between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of sucrose in solid form, 2017-2020

World map of production of sucrose in solid form, 2017-2020

Nigeria's solid sucrose production grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 500 thousand tonnes, marking a 5.1% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 34%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 10.3%.

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

Exports sucrose in solid form from Nigeria

Exports in kind, t

Nigeria's solid sucrose exports expanded for the second year in a row. In 2019, export volumes reached 150.5 tonnes, surging by 159.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2019, exports jumped by 279.4%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 56.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ghana and Turkey were the primary buyers of solid sucrose from Nigeria, together accounting for 99.1% of total export volumes. Other destinations each held relatively minor shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Nigeria's solid sucrose export revenues increased for the second consecutive year. In 2019, exports totaled 177.2 thousand US dollars, up by 287.9% from the year before. Over the 2017-2019 period, export revenues grew by 673.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 97.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Ghana and Turkey dominated as buyers of solid sucrose from Nigeria in value terms, together representing 96.4% of total export revenues. Other trade partners contributed less significantly.

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

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

Imports sucrose in solid form to Nigeria

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 at 7.8 tonnes, then surged to a high of 799.7 tonnes in 2020, representing a 10,152.8% increase from the previous year. This fluctuation resulted in a 103-fold variation between the two years. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 84.1% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom (43.5% of import volumes), Denmark (19.7%), and China (16.3%) were the leading sources of solid sucrose imports to Nigeria, together comprising 79.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Import values peaked in 2017, then fell to their lowest point in 2019 at 7.7 thousand US dollars, creating a 65-fold fluctuation. In 2020, Nigeria imported 474.8 thousand US dollars worth of solid sucrose, a 6,053.0% rise from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, with a 95.2% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Denmark, the United Kingdom, and China—collectively accounted for 88.5% of the total value of solid sucrose imports to Nigeria.

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

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