Sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions market in Tanzania

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the market for sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil in Tanzania expanded from 286 thousand tons to 349 thousand tons. This growth was initially supported by government policy changes in 2018, including a partial reduction of import duties on certain oils and the removal of VAT on locally produced sunflower seed oil, alongside a national sunflower sector development strategy aimed at increasing production and export potential. Continued fiscal incentives and reforms in 2019 further reinforced domestic output.

Market volume reached 337 thousand tons in 2021. It then stabilized at 331 thousand tons in 2022, a period which saw institutional support for sunflower productivity through improved access to extension services and private organization aid for smallholder farmers. The market resumed its upward trajectory in 2023, reaching 349 thousand tons, with Tanzania maintaining its position as a top-ten global producer of sunflower oilseeds.

By 2024, Tanzania produced 312 thousand tons of sunflower-seed and safflower oil, accounting for 84% of total African production alongside South Africa and Uganda, and recorded one of the highest per capita consumption rates on the continent. Government policies, including import duty adjustments, continued to focus on encouraging the domestic industry.

Production sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions in Tanzania

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Tanzania ranked as the 15th largest global producer of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions.

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

Tanzania's production of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 319.4 thousand tonnes, marking a gradual increase of 6.3% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 17.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 5.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in Tanzania was valued at 466.5 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp rise of 37.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 47.7%, with an average annual rate of 13.9%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, when production fell by 6.5%.

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

Exports sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions from Tanzania

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Tanzania's exports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions rebounded. In 2020, exports reached 3 474 tonnes, showing a gain of 27.0% from 2019. However, between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 61.7%, averaging an annual decline of 27.4%. The lowest point was in 2019, with 2 736 tonnes, while the largest drop happened in 2018, at 62.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania's exports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions were primarily directed to Switzerland, which accounted for 90.7% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, Tanzania's export value of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions increased. In 2020, exports amounted to 5 074 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp gain of 64.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 51.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -21.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 3 088 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2018, at 58.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland held the dominant position in Tanzania's export value for sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions, accounting for 84.7% of total flows, while the remainder was distributed among various smaller destinations.

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

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

Imports sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions to Tanzania

Imports in kind, t

The import market for sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in Tanzania showed volatility during the observed period. In 2020, imports totalled 12 137 tonnes, down by 8.6% from the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 7 272 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 13 278 tonnes, resulting in a 1.8-fold difference between these years. The largest decline was in 2018 at 16.1%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 82.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania's imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in volume were dominated by Ukraine, which absorbed 77.1% of total flows, with many other minor partners making up the rest.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Tanzania imported approximately 7 743 thousand US dollars worth of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions, corresponding to a decline of 11.9% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 24.6%, averaging an annual growth rate of 7.6%. The minimum value was in 2018 at 5 837 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 8 792 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase recorded in 2019 at 50.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Ukraine dominated Tanzania's import value for sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions, accounting for 82.7% of total flows, with other destinations being relatively small.

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

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