Western Africa: Toilet Paper Market 2025

Toilet Paper Market Size in Western Africa

In 2021, the West African toilet paper market decreased by -2.1% to $X for the first time since 2016, thus ending a four-year rising trend. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 8.9%. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then contracted modestly in the following year.

Toilet Paper Production in Western Africa

In value terms, toilet paper production shrank slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 8.5%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2020, and then dropped slightly in the following year.

Toilet Paper Exports

Exports in Western Africa

In 2021, overseas shipments of toilet paper decreased by -8.1% to X tons, falling for the third consecutive year after five years of growth. In general, exports recorded a noticeable contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when exports increased by 36%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, toilet paper exports shrank to $X in 2021. Overall, exports saw a abrupt shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when exports increased by 63% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Cote d'Ivoire represented the main exporting country with an export of about X tons, which amounted to 66% of total exports. Ghana (X tons) held an 18% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by Nigeria (7.6%) and Togo (4.9%). Niger (X tons) held a minor share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to toilet paper exports from Cote d'Ivoire stood at -4.8%. At the same time, Niger (+53.5%) and Ghana (+29.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Niger emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Western Africa, with a CAGR of +53.5% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Togo (-11.0%) and Nigeria (-13.4%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Ghana (+17 p.p.) and Niger (+1.8 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Cote d'Ivoire, Togo and Nigeria saw its share reduced by -2.7%, -4.4% and -10.8% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, Cote d'Ivoire ($X) remains the largest toilet paper supplier in Western Africa, comprising 66% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Ghana ($X), with an 18% share of total exports. It was followed by Nigeria, with a 7.1% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Cote d'Ivoire totaled -10.0%. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Ghana (+36.0% per year) and Nigeria (-17.8% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Western Africa stood at $X per ton in 2021, dropping by -2.6% against the previous year. In general, the export price showed a noticeable contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 37%. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Niger (+8.5%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Toilet Paper Imports

Imports in Western Africa

In 2021, the amount of toilet paper imported in Western Africa declined to X tons, flattening at 2020. Overall, imports recorded a pronounced setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when imports increased by 36%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, toilet paper imports expanded sharply to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when imports increased by 33%. The level of import peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Ghana was the main importing country with an import of about X tons, which resulted at 35% of total imports. Cabo Verde (X tons) held the second position in the ranking, followed by Nigeria (X tons), Togo (X tons), Burkina Faso (X tons), Guinea (X tons) and Senegal (X tons). All these countries together held near 46% share of total imports. Cote d'Ivoire (X tons) held a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to toilet paper imports into Ghana stood at -9.5%. At the same time, Guinea (+12.7%), Togo (+10.6%), Cote d'Ivoire (+10.3%), Cabo Verde (+9.8%), Burkina Faso (+7.0%), Nigeria (+5.7%) and Senegal (+4.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Guinea emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Western Africa, with a CAGR of +12.7% from 2012-2021. While the share of Cabo Verde (+9.8 p.p.), Nigeria (+4.7 p.p.), Togo (+4.5 p.p.), Burkina Faso (+3.5 p.p.), Guinea (+3.4 p.p.), Cote d'Ivoire (+2.5 p.p.) and Senegal (+2.2 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2021, the share of Ghana (-33.6 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Ghana ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported toilet paper in Western Africa, comprising 37% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Cabo Verde ($X), with an 18% share of total imports. It was followed by Nigeria, with an 8.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Ghana amounted to -3.8%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Cabo Verde (+7.9% per year) and Nigeria (+3.3% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Western Africa amounted to $X per ton, surging by 8.3% against the previous year. Over the last nine years, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.3%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 an increase of 29% against the previous year. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ghana (+6.3%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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