Bran, sharps and residues from cereal or legume processing market in Afghanistan

Earlier Report Observations

The market for bran and residues in Afghanistan expanded from 359 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 453 thousand tons in 2021, driven primarily by domestic wheat milling activity. This growth period was supported by trade, including imports from Uzbekistan, which notably contributed to supply in 2019. However, the structure of the local milling industry, where small-scale mills typically produce whole meal flour without separating bran, has historically limited the volume of bran available as a distinct by-product.

Following the 2021 peak, the market volume contracted to 418 thousand tons in 2022. Logistical constraints and quality concerns during transport, which affect flour and related goods trade, played a role in shaping import flows and market supply. The market then stabilized in 2023 at just under 420 thousand tons, reflecting a balanced supply-demand situation.

Production bran, sharps and residues from cereal or legume processing in Afghanistan

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of bran, sharps and residues from cereal or legume processing, 2017-2020

World map of production of bran, sharps and residues from cereal or legume processing, 2017-2020

In Afghanistan, production of bran, sharps, and residues from cereal or legume processing has grown for the second year in a row. The country produced 438.3 thousand tons in 2020, representing a 7.0% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 12.7% overall, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 352.5 thousand tons, when output fell by 9.4%. The strongest growth occurred in 2019, with a 16.2% increase.

Annual dynamics of production in Afghanistan in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports bran, sharps and residues from cereal or legume processing from Afghanistan

According to industry analysis, Afghanistan did not export any bran, sharps, or residues from cereal or legume processing between 2017 and 2020.

Imports bran, sharps and residues from cereal or legume processing to Afghanistan

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed significant volatility during the observed period. Import volumes fluctuated dramatically, with a 29-fold difference between the peak in 2019 and the low in 2020. In 2019, imports reached their highest point at 20 218 tons, marking a substantial 192.9% increase. However, by 2020, imports dropped sharply to just 686 tons, a decline of 96.6% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Afghanistan in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Afghanistan's imports in kind were highly concentrated geographically. Pakistan alone accounted for 90.2% of total import flows during this period.

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

World map of product's imports to Afghanistan in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import values peaked in 2019 and then fell to their lowest level in 2020, with a 19-fold difference between these years. In 2019, imports reached a maximum of 2 437 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 202.8% increase. By 2020, import value had dropped to 132 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 94.6% compared to 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Afghanistan in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Pakistan consistently dominated Afghanistan's imports in value terms, accounting for 87.4% of the total. The remaining share was distributed among other countries, indicating a high level of market concentration on Pakistan.

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

World map of product's imports to Afghanistan in value, 2017-2020