Wheat and meslin flour and cereals market in Gabon

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the market for wheat and meslin flour and cereals in Gabon reached 82 484 tons, supported by investments in local production capacity. The Forberd group installed a state-of-the-art industrial unit for wheat flour, semolina, and animal feed production, while SMAG, a subsidiary of SOMDIAA, remained a key player. However, market volume declined to 72 465 tons in 2019 and further to 69 641 tons in 2020.

The market rebounded sharply in 2021, with volume soaring to 94 519 tons. The following year, however, it dropped to 75 451 tons as the Russia-Ukraine conflict triggered a surge in global wheat prices, disrupting supply chains and increasing production costs. Gabon's government responded by authorizing exceptional flour imports and maintaining fixed prices for bread and flour to mitigate shortages.

By 2023, the market recovered to 88 613 tons, aided by falling global wheat prices and ongoing government support. Initiatives to diversify raw material sources, such as promoting cassava-based flour, continued as part of longer-term strategies to reduce import dependence.

Production wheat and meslin flour and cereals in Gabon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, 2017-2020

World map of production of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, 2017-2020

Gabon's production of wheat and meslin flour and cereals has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 69 451 tonnes, marking a 3.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 2.1%, which translates to an average annual decline of 0.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 81 525 tonnes, when output surged by 14.9%. However, the following year saw the sharpest drop, with production falling by 11.7% in 2019.

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

Exports wheat and meslin flour and cereals from Gabon

Market research indicates that Gabon did not export any wheat and meslin flour and cereals between 2017 and 2020.

Imports wheat and meslin flour and cereals to Gabon

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed significant volatility during this period. In 2020, Gabon imported 190.4 tonnes of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, which represents a 60.4% decrease from 2019. The peak was reached in 2018 with 958.9 tonnes, marking a substantial increase of 149.2% that year. Overall, import levels fluctuated widely, with a fivefold difference between the high in 2018 and the low in 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, France, and Spain were the leading suppliers of wheat and meslin flour and cereals to Gabon. Turkey accounted for 37.1% of imports in kind, France for 16.7%, and Spain for 15.8%. Together, these three countries made up 69.6% of Gabon's total imports in this category.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of imported wheat and meslin flour and cereals in Gabon fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 202.5 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp year-over-year decline of 41.4%. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, import values decreased by 36.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -13.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 496.4 thousand US dollars, when imports rose by 56.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Turkey, and Spain dominated the import structure in value terms. France led with 36.2% of imports by value, followed by Turkey at 17.8% and Spain at 11.5%. Collectively, these three countries represented 65.6% of Gabon's total import flows in this sector.

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

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