Africa: Chestnut Market 2025

Chestnut Market Size in Africa

In 2021, the African chestnut market decreased by -8.3% to $X, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. In general, consumption continues to indicate a noticeable curtailment. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Chestnut Production in Africa

In value terms, chestnut production shrank to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 9.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2020, and then dropped in the following year.

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2021 were Cameroon (X tons), Algeria (X tons) and Zimbabwe (X tons), with a combined 66% share of total production. These countries were followed by Cote d'Ivoire, Uganda, Tanzania and Tunisia, which together accounted for a further 30%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of production, amongst the key producing countries, was attained by Uganda (with a CAGR of +2.4%), while production for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The average chestnut yield amounted to X tons per ha in 2021, remaining stable against 2020 figures. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the yield increased by 5.9%. Over the period under review, the chestnut yield hit record highs at X tons per ha in 2019; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, the total area harvested in terms of chestnuts production in Africa amounted to X ha, therefore, remained relatively stable against 2020. Over the period under review, the harvested area continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the harvested area increased by 3.8% against the previous year. The level of harvested area peaked at X ha in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Chestnut Exports

Exports in Africa

In 2021, shipments abroad of chestnuts decreased by -54.9% to X tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a deep reduction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 31% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, chestnut exports contracted sharply to $X in 2021. In general, exports saw a deep setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 159% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Cote d'Ivoire (X tons), distantly followed by Egypt (X tons), Algeria (X tons) and Morocco (X tons) were the major exporters of chestnuts, together generating 100% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exporting countries, was attained by Morocco (with a CAGR of +23.2%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the exports figures.

In value terms, Cote d'Ivoire ($X) remains the largest chestnut supplier in Africa, comprising 68% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Egypt ($X), with a 15% share of total exports. It was followed by Morocco, with a 10% share.

In Cote d'Ivoire, chestnut exports contracted by an average annual rate of -1.4% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Egypt (-5.8% per year) and Morocco (+4.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, declining by -34.4% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, showed a remarkable increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 an increase of 104%. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2020, and then dropped significantly in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Cote d'Ivoire ($X per ton), while Algeria ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Cote d'Ivoire (+13.3%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Chestnut Imports

Imports in Africa

In 2021, purchases abroad of chestnuts decreased by -13.9% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. In general, imports saw a abrupt decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 220% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, chestnut imports plummeted to $X in 2021. Overall, imports saw a abrupt decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 121%. The level of import peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Egypt represented the largest importing country with an import of around X tons, which resulted at 56% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Libya (X tons) and Morocco (X tons), together constituting a 37% share of total imports. Tunisia (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

Imports into Egypt decreased at an average annual rate of -3.9% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Morocco (+14.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Morocco emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Africa, with a CAGR of +14.1% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Tunisia (-3.3%) and Libya (-11.6%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Morocco (+13 p.p.) and Egypt (+5.9 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2021, the share of Libya (-18.6 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Egypt ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported chestnuts in Africa, comprising 48% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Morocco ($X), with a 22% share of total imports. It was followed by Libya, with a 21% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Egypt amounted to -6.6%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Morocco (+16.5% per year) and Libya (-13.5% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, falling by -16.7% against the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a mild slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the import price increased by 28%. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Morocco ($X per ton), while Egypt ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Morocco (+2.1%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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