Sunflower or safflower oil and fractions market in Uganda

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for sunflower and safflower oil in Uganda began at 76 664 t in 2018. It decreased slightly to 75 121 t in 2019, a period marked by a significant 342% surge in export activity that diverted product away from the domestic market. A recovery to 78 676 t followed in 2020, supported by the Uganda National Oilseeds Project which enhanced market linkage infrastructure and promoted climate-smart agricultural practices among smallholder farmers.

In 2021, domestic volume declined modestly to 77 058 t, but the market's value rose to US$120.6 million driven by a peak in export prices which encouraged higher overseas shipments. The following year, volume stabilized at 77 564 t while value climbed sharply to US$157.6 million, reflecting continued high commodity pricing and increased valuation of the product.

Market volume grew to 83 321 t in 2023 as government and project initiatives focused on expanding sunflower acreage and local production began to yield results, increasing domestic supply. Concurrently, export prices remained stable and regional trade to Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania continued, though export growth rates faced challenges. Into 2024, favorable conditions were sustained with rising sales values for sunflower seeds and strong export partnerships within East Africa.

Production sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in Uganda

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Uganda ranked as the 20th largest producer of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions globally.

Top producers of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions, 2017-2020

Uganda's production of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 84 200 tonnes, showing only a slight change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 2.1%, averaging 0.7% per year. The highest output was in 2018 at 84 400 tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 2.3% also occurring that year. The most significant drop was in 2019, at 0.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Uganda in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Uganda's production of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 114.2 million US dollars, marking a moderate decrease of 6.3% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production declined by 7.7%, with an average annual drop of 2.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 124.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 0.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Uganda in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from Uganda

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Uganda's exports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions decreased. In 2020, exports totaled 5 763 tonnes, down 39.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 span, exports rose by 12.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 9 578 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 65.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland, Rwanda, and Kenya were the primary destinations for Uganda's exports in kind. Switzerland accounted for 57.9% of exports, Rwanda for 16.6%, and Kenya for 16.4%, together making up 90.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year upward trend, Uganda's exports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in value terms declined. In 2020, exports were valued at 7 817 thousand US dollars, a 43.5% decrease year-over-year. The peak was in 2019 at 13 846 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase in 2018 at 63.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, Switzerland, Rwanda, and Kenya dominated Uganda's exports in value terms. Switzerland held 61.1% of export value, Rwanda 17.1%, and Kenya 14.4%, collectively representing 92.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Uganda

Imports in kind, t

Uganda's imports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in kind fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 240 tonnes, a sharp drop of 39.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 47.7%, averaging a 19.4% annual decline. The highest volume was in 2018 at 723 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 57.8%. The most significant decrease was in 2019 at 44.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt, Malaysia, and Kenya were the main sources for Uganda's imports in kind. Egypt accounted for 65.5% of imports, Malaysia for 11.5%, and Kenya for 6.3%, together comprising 83.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Uganda's imports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 300 thousand US dollars, down 47.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 41.5%, with a compound annual decline of 16.4%. The peak value was in 2018 at 774 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 51.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Egypt, Kenya, and Canada led as suppliers of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Uganda in value terms. Egypt accounted for 66.7% of import value, Kenya for 9.3%, and Canada for 7.6%, with their combined share reaching 83.6% of total imports.

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

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