Africa: Citric Acid Market 2024

Citric Acid Market Size in Africa

In 2021, the African citric acid market increased by 2.4% to $X, rising for the sixth year in a row after two years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +4.0% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The level of consumption peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Citric Acid Production in Africa

In value terms, citric acid production declined modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +3.2% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 26%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2020, and then shrank slightly in the following year.

Citric Acid Exports

Exports in Africa

In 2021, shipments abroad of citric acid and its salts and esters was finally on the rise to reach X tons after six years of decline. Overall, exports, however, showed a deep downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 61% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, citric acid exports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a drastic downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when exports increased by 54%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

South Africa (X tons) and Swaziland (X tons) prevails in exports structure, together mixing up 91% of total exports. Egypt (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exporting countries, was attained by Egypt (with a CAGR of +86.6%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

In value terms, the largest citric acid supplying countries in Africa were Swaziland ($X), South Africa ($X) and Egypt ($X), with a combined 95% share of total exports.

Egypt, with a CAGR of +90.9%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 26% against the previous year. Overall, the export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Swaziland ($X per ton), while South Africa ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Swaziland (+4.0%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Citric Acid Imports

Imports in Africa

Citric acid imports contracted to X tons in 2021, with a decrease of -4.9% against 2020. Total imports indicated prominent growth from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.9% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +67.3% against 2012 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when imports increased by 20%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2020, and then reduced slightly in the following year.

In value terms, citric acid imports surged to $X in 2021. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 27%. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

South Africa (X tons) and Egypt (X tons) were the largest importers of citric acid and its salts and esters in 2021, resulting at approx. 23% and 19% of total imports, respectively. Algeria (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total imports with a 13% share, followed by Nigeria (10%) and Swaziland (6.6%). The following importers - Tanzania (X tons), Morocco (X tons), Kenya (X tons), Ghana (X tons), Cameroon (X tons) and Zimbabwe (X tons) - together made up 14% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Cameroon (with a CAGR of +17.8%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, South Africa ($X), Egypt ($X) and Nigeria ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, with a combined 55% share of total imports. Algeria, Swaziland, Morocco, Tanzania, Kenya, Cameroon, Zimbabwe and Ghana lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 30%.

Swaziland, with a CAGR of +13.4%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 28% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a perceptible decline. Over the period under review, import prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Morocco ($X per ton), while Ghana ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kenya (+3.3%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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