Buckwheat market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

The buckwheat market in CIS experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. After reaching 956 thousand tons in 2018, the market volume contracted to 785 thousand tons in 2019, primarily due to a reduction in sown areas for buckwheat, which lowered domestic production. The following year, market volume recovered to 892 thousand tons as buckwheat harvests increased by 13.5%, and the COVID-19 pandemic altered demand patterns and logistics.

A sharp expansion occurred in 2022, with market volume soaring to 1 262 thousand tons. This surge was driven by record buckwheat production and an export ban imposed in response to geopolitical events, which redirected supply to the domestic market. Previously, in 2021, expanded sowing areas in spring had supported production, though high export volumes limited market growth that year.

In 2023, the market volume declined to 1 028 thousand tons as production fell and exports rose substantially. Retail prices for buckwheat dropped by 30% as the large 2022 harvest improved supply conditions. Concurrently, growing consumer interest in healthy eating sustained demand for high-quality and novel grain varieties.

Production buckwheat in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of buckwheat, 2017-2020

World map of production of buckwheat, 2017-2020

After a two-year decline, buckwheat production in the CIS rebounded. In 2020, the region produced 961 thousand tons of buckwheat, marking a 13.2% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 42.3%, with an average annual decline of 16.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 848 thousand tons, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 37.9% decrease.

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

Exports buckwheat from CIS

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, showing a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the CIS exported 69 703 tons of buckwheat, representing a modest 6.0% increase from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 78 217 tons. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 15.9% drop, while the largest increase was observed in 2018 with a substantial 79.1% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from CIS in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Ukraine, China, and Lithuania were the leading destinations for buckwheat exports from the CIS in volume terms. Ukraine accounted for 26.3% of exports, China for 22.5%, and Lithuania for 13.0%. Together, these three countries represented 61.8% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from CIS in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of buckwheat from the CIS increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 36 742 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp 66.1% year-over-year growth. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 118.7%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 29.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from CIS in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, China, and Japan were the main destinations for buckwheat exports from the CIS in value terms. Ukraine accounted for 26.9% of export value, China for 19.4%, and Japan for 16.6%. Together, these three countries represented 63.0% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from CIS in value, 2017-2020

Imports buckwheat to CIS

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2020, showing a 6.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, buckwheat deliveries to the CIS amounted to 635 tons, down by 72.9% compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 with an 83.2% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China dominated the geographical structure of buckwheat imports to the CIS in volume terms, accounting for 2.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility during the observed period. Import value reached its minimum in 2018 and peaked in 2017, with a 3.5-fold variation between these years. In 2020, the CIS imported buckwheat worth 1 312 thousand US dollars, representing a modest 6.5% decline compared to 2019. The lowest import value was recorded in 2018 at 1 312 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 with a 71.2% drop, while the largest increase was observed in 2019 with a 59.4% rise.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, China was the primary supplier of buckwheat to the CIS in value terms, consistently accounting for 4.6% of total imports.

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

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