Western Africa: Couscous Market 2024

Couscous Market Size in Western Africa

For the third year in a row, the West African couscous market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 6.5% to $X in 2021. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% over the period 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 immediate term.

Couscous Production in Western Africa

In value terms, couscous production stood at $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a tangible expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.6% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +15.7% against 2017 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 21%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Couscous Exports

Exports in Western Africa

In 2021, overseas shipments of couscous decreased by -16.6% to X tons, falling for the third consecutive year after five years of growth. Over the period under review, exports recorded a noticeable setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 73% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, couscous exports expanded sharply to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, saw moderate growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 78%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Senegal was the largest exporter of couscous in Western Africa, with the volume of exports accounting for X tons, which was near 72% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Togo (X tons), generating a 27% share of total exports.

Senegal was also the fastest-growing in terms of the couscous exports, with a CAGR of +14.0% from 2012 to 2021. Togo (-11.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Senegal (+57 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Togo (-27.9 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Senegal ($X) remains the largest couscous supplier in Western Africa, comprising 83% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Togo ($X), with a 17% share of total exports.

In Senegal, couscous exports increased at an average annual rate of +22.8% over the period from 2012-2021.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Western Africa amounted to $X per ton, surging by 31% against the previous year. Overall, the export price continues to indicate a buoyant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 116% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.

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 Senegal ($X per ton), while Togo stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Senegal (+7.7%).

Couscous Imports

Imports in Western Africa

Couscous imports surged to X tons in 2021, picking up by 41% against the year before. Total imports indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +7.6% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, couscous imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated buoyant growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.5% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, imports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Senegal (X tons), distantly followed by Togo (X tons), Cote d'Ivoire (X tons), Benin (X tons), Gambia (X tons) and Burkina Faso (X tons) were the main importers of couscous, together comprising 95% of total imports. Mauritania (X tons) took a little share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by Gambia (with a CAGR of +21.6%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Cote d'Ivoire ($X), Senegal ($X) and Togo ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, together comprising 68% of total imports. These countries were followed by Benin, Gambia, Mauritania and Burkina Faso, which together accounted for a further 27%.

Among the main importing countries, Gambia, with a CAGR of +36.8%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Western Africa amounted to $X per ton, rising by 17% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the import price increased by 20%. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 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 Cote d'Ivoire ($X per ton), while Gambia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Gambia (+12.6%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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