Shea Butter Export

What It Is

Shea butter is a natural fat derived from the nuts of the shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), native to Africa’s savanna regions. It is ivory or beige in color, with a firm texture that melts at body temperature. Known as “women’s gold,” shea butter has gained massive popularity worldwide in the cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries due to its nourishing, healing, and moisturizing properties.

Why Shea Butter Export is Profitable

• Rising Global Demand: The global shea butter market is projected to exceed $3.5 billion by 2030, with consistent growth in cosmetics and personal care industries.

• Multiple Export Forms: Exporters can sell raw shea butter, refined shea butter, or shea oil (Shea Olein).

• Versatile Uses: From chocolate production to skincare and pharmaceuticals, shea butter is highly versatile.

• Sustainable Product: As a natural, organic, and eco-friendly product, it aligns with increasing global preference for natural cosmetics and foods.

Forms for Export

1. Raw/Unrefined Shea Butter – Minimal processing, nutty smell, retains natural vitamins and minerals.

2. Refined Shea Butter – Filtered and deodorized, used in large-scale cosmetic and food industries.

3. Shea Olein (Liquid Oil) – Fractionated oil form, used in cooking and cosmetic blending.

Specifications for Export

• Free Fatty Acids (FFA): ≤ 3%

• Moisture Content: ≤ 0.2%

• Iodine Value: 60–70

• Saponification Value: 170–190

• Melting Point: 31°C – 35°C

• Appearance: Ivory/white (refined) or beige/yellowish (raw)

Packaging for Export

• Bulk Export: 25kg, 50kg food-grade kegs, cartons with polythene lining, or aluminum drums.

• Retail Export: 100g – 1kg jars, tubs, or pouches (for direct-to-consumer sales).

• Vacuum-sealed, airtight packaging is best to preserve freshness and prevent contamination.

HS Code

• HS Code 1515.90 – Fixed vegetable fats and oils (including shea butter).

Export Opportunities

• Europe (UK, France, Germany, Netherlands): Major buyers for cosmetic industries and chocolate manufacturers.

• United States & Canada: Large demand for skincare, haircare, and organic cosmetic products.

• Asia (China, South Korea, Japan): Expanding use in premium skincare and beauty products.

• Middle East: Growing demand in therapeutic creams and halal-certified cosmetics.

Market Demand Drivers

• Global cosmetics companies are replacing synthetic oils with natural shea butter.

• Increasing awareness of organic skincare.

• Chocolatiers and food industries use shea butter as a substitute for cocoa butter.

• Pharmaceutical demand for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Health & Industrial Benefits

• Moisturizes and nourishes dry skin.

• Anti-inflammatory properties aid in treating eczema and dermatitis.

• Rich in vitamins A, E, and F (skin and hair nourishment).

• Used in soaps, creams, shampoos, lip balms, and lotions.

• Alternative fat in chocolate and confectionery industries.

MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) & Pricing

• MOQ: 1 ton (bulk buyers); smaller quantities possible for retail packaging export.

• Price Range (2025 global market): $2,200 – $2,800 per metric ton (depending on grade and processing).

Exporting shea butter provides access to a fast-growing global market with high margins, especially when combined with value-added processing (like branded retail packaging).