Tanzania: Yams Market 2024

Yams Market Size in Tanzania

The Tanzanian yams market contracted slightly to $X in 2022, standing approx. at the previous year. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a notable increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -3.5% against 2019 indices. Yams consumption peaked at $X in 2019; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Yams Production in Tanzania

In value terms, yams production shrank to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production showed resilient growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 49%. Yams production peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

In 2022, the average yams yield in Tanzania totaled X tons per ha, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year's figure. Overall, the yield, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the yield increased by 2.5%. Over the period under review, the average yams yield attained the peak level at X tons per ha in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the yield stood at a somewhat lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, approx. X ha of yams were harvested in Tanzania; flattening at the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when the harvested area increased by 4.4% against the previous year. The yams harvested area peaked at X ha in 2014; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Yams Exports

Exports from Tanzania

In 2022, shipments abroad of yams increased by 57% to X tons, rising for the third consecutive year after three years of decline. In general, exports continue to indicate a prominent expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when exports increased by 237% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2022 and are likely to see steady growth in years to come.

In value terms, yams exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Overall, exports posted a prominent expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 204%. The exports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Comoros (X tons) was the main destination for yams exports from Tanzania, with a 84% share of total exports. Moreover, yams exports to Comoros exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Botswana (X kg), eightfold. Zambia (X kg) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 3.5% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Comoros totaled +7.3%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Botswana (+96.6% per year) and Zambia (0.0% per year).

In value terms, Comoros ($X) remains the key foreign market for yams exports from Tanzania, comprising 79% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Botswana ($X), with a 14% share of total exports. It was followed by the UK, with a 5% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Comoros stood at +15.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Botswana (+90.3% per year) and the UK (+47.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average yams export price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 4.1% against the previous year. Overall, the export price posted a resilient expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 an increase of 47%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Zambia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the UK (+42.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Yams Imports

Imports into Tanzania

After two years of decline, overseas purchases of yams decreased by -53.4% to X kg in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded perceptible growth. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X kg in 2021, and then fell sharply in the following year.

In value terms, yams imports shrank rapidly to $X in 2022. In general, imports, however, showed notable growth. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at $X in 2021, and then dropped notably in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Nigeria (X kg) was the main yams supplier to Tanzania, with a approx. 100% share of total imports.

From 2014 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Nigeria amounted to -53.4%.

In value terms, Nigeria ($X) constituted the largest supplier of yams to Tanzania.

From 2014 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Nigeria amounted to -37.4%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average yams import price amounted to $X per ton, jumping by 34% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, saw a slight reduction. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for Nigeria.

From 2014 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Nigeria amounted to +34.4% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform