Sucrose in solid form market in Sierra Leone

Earlier Report Observations

The market for chemically pure sucrose in solid form in Sierra Leone contracted from over 53 thousand tons in 2018 to approximately 35 thousand tons in 2021. This decline was driven by a sharp fall in domestic production, which more than halved by 2020, and a significant reduction in imports to 30 thousand tons in 2021. That year, law enforcement actions against the illegal importation of narcotics likely tightened oversight of chemical imports broadly, contributing to the decrease in sucrose shipments entering the country.

A recovery began in 2022, with the market volume growing to 45.6 thousand tons and further to 51.1 thousand tons in 2023. Domestic production increased steadily during this period, supported by national efforts to enhance agricultural production and data collection, which improved supply chain factors for sucrose raw materials.

By 2024, sucrose imports rose to 52.5 thousand tons, amid broader governmental initiatives to develop agriculture, infrastructure, and the regulatory environment, which created conditions conducive to market activity.

Production sucrose in solid form in Sierra Leone

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sucrose in solid form, 2017-2020

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

Sierra Leone's production of solid sucrose declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 5 520 tonnes, which represents a 25.0% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 62.5%, with an average annual decline of 27.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 16 560 tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, when production fell by 55.6%, while the largest increase was seen in 2018 with a 12.5% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Sierra Leone in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports sucrose in solid form from Sierra Leone

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Sierra Leone exported just 1 tonne of solid sucrose, marking a substantial reduction of 25.0% from the previous year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland and Germany were the exclusive markets for Sierra Leone's solid sucrose exports, together accounting for 100.0% of total shipments.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Sierra Leone's cross-border shipments of solid sucrose generated 1 000 US dollars in 2020, reflecting a sharp decline of 43.3% compared to 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland and Germany continued to be the only significant markets for Sierra Leone's solid sucrose exports in value terms, together making up 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports sucrose in solid form to Sierra Leone

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Sierra Leone imported 37 910 tonnes of solid sucrose, showing a modest decrease of 4.4% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 11.4%, with an average annual decline of 3.9%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 36 583 tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2018 with a 14.5% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2019 with an 8.4% rise.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, France, Brazil, and Thailand were the leading sources for Sierra Leone's solid sucrose imports. France accounted for 38.0% of imports, Brazil for 30.3%, and Thailand for 7.8%, together representing 76.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, Sierra Leone's imports of solid sucrose increased in 2020. The import value reached 14 337 000 US dollars, which is 9.1% higher than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, overall imports decreased by 8.2%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 2.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 13 138 000 US dollars. The most significant drop occurred in 2018 with a 12.4% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Brazil, and Thailand remained the primary markets for Sierra Leone's solid sucrose imports in value terms. France contributed 39.3% of import value, Brazil 28.5%, and Thailand 6.7%, together accounting for 74.5% of total import flows.

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

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