Areca nuts market in South-eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Areca nut production in South-eastern Asia rose from 326.8 thousand tons in 2018 to 380.0 thousand tons in 2022, before stabilizing in 2023. This expansion was initially supported by an increase in harvested area, and later by the entry of new players and the launch of advanced processing facilities in 2021, which enhanced production capacity. Cultural and traditional practices across the region provided a steady base demand throughout the period.

The domestic market size for areca nuts surged from 74.0 thousand tons in 2020 to 163.2 thousand tons in 2023. This growth in consumption was fueled by product innovations like scented supari and flavored betel preparations, which attracted broader consumer segments. Additionally, rising use of areca nuts in traditional medicine and functional foods created new demand channels, while a decline in export volumes in 2023 freed up more supply for the local market.

The market also faced challenges from disease outbreaks such as fruit rot and yellow leaf disease, which periodically affected yields. Regulatory developments, including stricter labeling requirements and health warning mandates, shaped product presentation and marketing. Simultaneously, packaging innovations and the adoption of specialized enzymes for processing improved product quality and helped meet international standards.

Production areca nuts in South-eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of areca nuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of areca nuts, 2017-2020

Areca nuts production in South-eastern Asia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 330.8 K t of areca nuts, marking a slight rise of 0.6% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports areca nuts from South-eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 141.7 K t, while exports peaked in 2020 at 267.4 K t, reflecting a steep increase of 88.7% compared to the previous year. This represents a 1.9-fold variation between these years. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 29.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Iran, India, and Bangladesh led the structure of exports in kind, accounting for 28.8%, 25.8%, and 5.0% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 59.6% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, areca nuts deliveries from South-eastern Asia amounted to 483.5 M $ US, showing a modest rise of 8.3% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 11.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 536.4 M $ US, with the largest increase that year of 23.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 16.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets—India, Iran, and Bangladesh—remained central to exports in value terms, together accounting for 59.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports areca nuts to South-eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.2 K t, while imports hit their maximum in 2020 at 10.6 K t, constituting a steep advance of 5,590.7% compared to the previous year. This represents a 57-fold difference between these years. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 46.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, India was the single largest supplier of areca nuts to South-eastern Asia, accounting for 0.6% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 17.7 M $ US, while imports climbed to their maximum in 2020 at 62.5 M $ US, corresponding to an improvement of 150.5% versus the previous year. This represents a 3.5-fold shift between these years. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 12.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Over 2017 to 2020, India remained the key partner for imports in value terms of areca nuts to South-eastern Asia, with a share of 0.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020