Sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The African market for sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. Market volume jumped by over 40% to 2 834 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking the highest point in the period. This surge was followed by a contraction in 2021 and 2022, before recovering to 2 557 thousand tonnes in 2023.

Domestic production remained relatively stable, increasing from 987 thousand tonnes in 2018 to a peak of 1 131 thousand tonnes in 2022, then easing to 1 084 thousand tonnes in 2023. Imports played a major role in market supply, soaring to 1 934 thousand tonnes in 2020 and staying elevated in subsequent years. Exports saw a notable spike in 2022, reaching 432 thousand tonnes, which tempered net market availability that year.

Overall, the market expanded from 1 933 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 2 557 thousand tonnes in 2023, reflecting increased volumes despite yearly volatility. The interplay between production gains and import levels shaped the market's trajectory throughout the period.

Production sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

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

In 2020, Africa produced 1 053 K t of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions, marking a modest 9.2% increase from the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 2.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 964 K t, with the largest decline occurring that same year at 2.3%.

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

Exports sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions from Africa

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Africa exported 153 K t of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in 2020, representing a substantial 22.5% decrease compared to 2019. The minimum export volume was 97 K t in 2018, while the peak reached 197 K t in 2019, showing a two-fold difference between these years. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 46.1%, whereas the most significant increase was in 2019 at 102.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, export destinations remained highly diversified. Syria accounted for 7.8% of exports in kind, Saudi Arabia for 5.4%, and Switzerland for 4.7%, collectively making up just 17.9% of total flows. No single partner emerged as clearly dominant during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Africa's exports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions totaled 211 M $ US, reflecting a moderate 8.0% decline from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 5.9%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 199 M $ US, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 229 M $ US, with the largest increase that year at 15.2%.

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

The structure of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 indicates a diversified partner base. Switzerland contributed 12.1% of exports in value terms, Syria 7.3%, and Saudi Arabia 3.5%, together accounting for only 22.8% of total flows. The remaining 77.2% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions to Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Africa's imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 1 043 K t, showing a sharp 59.3% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 70.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 19.4%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 043 K t, with the largest decline that year at 8.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine formed the core of imports in kind. Russia accounted for 25.0% of imports in kind, Turkey for 24.4%, and Ukraine for 15.5%, collectively representing 64.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Africa's import volume of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions rose for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 1 510 M $ US, marking a 44.2% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 37.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 018 M $ US, with the largest decline that year at 7.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine were the largest contributors to imports in value terms. Russia accounted for 25.5% of imports in value terms, Turkey for 22.2%, and Ukraine for 15.7%, jointly making up 63.4% of total flows.

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

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