SADC: Market for Wheat and Meslin Flour 2024

Market Size for Wheat and Meslin Flour in SADC

The SADC wheat and meslin flour market was estimated at $X in 2022, almost unchanged from the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Production of Wheat and Meslin Flour in SADC

In value terms, wheat and meslin flour production reached $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the production volume increased by 12%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2020; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Exports of Wheat and Meslin Flour

Exports in SADC

In 2022, approx. X tons of wheat and meslin flour were exported in SADC; rising by 21% compared with 2021 figures. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt shrinkage. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when exports increased by 57% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, wheat and meslin flour exports soared to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 63% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

South Africa represented the largest exporting country with an export of about X tons, which amounted to 51% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Lesotho (X tons), Tanzania (X tons), Mauritius (X tons) and Angola (X tons), together comprising a 44% share of total exports. Mozambique (X tons) took a little share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to wheat and meslin flour exports from South Africa stood at -7.1%. At the same time, Lesotho (+11.2%) and Angola (+8.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Lesotho emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in SADC, with a CAGR of +11.2% from 2012-2022. By contrast, Mauritius (-6.1%), Tanzania (-12.4%) and Mozambique (-18.7%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2022, the share of Lesotho, South Africa, Angola and Mauritius increased by +15, +6.9, +4 and +1.7 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) remains the largest wheat and meslin flour supplier in SADC, comprising 54% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Tanzania ($X), with a 16% share of total exports. It was followed by Lesotho, with a 15% share.

In South Africa, wheat and meslin flour exports declined by an average annual rate of -5.1% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Tanzania (-11.4% per year) and Lesotho (+10.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, growing by 13% against the previous year. Overall, the export price saw 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.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Tanzania ($X per ton), while Angola ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (+2.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Wheat and Meslin Flour

Imports in SADC

In 2022, overseas purchases of wheat and meslin flour were finally on the rise to reach X tons after five years of decline. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed a abrupt setback. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, wheat and meslin flour imports declined modestly to $X in 2022. In general, imports, however, showed a drastic downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 4.3%. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Madagascar (X tons) and Angola (X tons) represented roughly 61% of total imports in 2022. Democratic Republic of the Congo (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total imports with a 15% share, followed by South Africa (6.7%), Zimbabwe (5.6%) and Lesotho (4.8%). Comoros (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for South Africa (with a CAGR of +10.3%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Madagascar ($X), Angola ($X) and Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, with a combined 69% share of total imports. South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Comoros lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 26%.

South Africa, with a CAGR of +6.8%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among 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 SADC stood at $X per ton in 2022, reducing by -9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a slight downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the import price increased by 27% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Zimbabwe ($X per ton), while Angola ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Zimbabwe (+0.8%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform