Buckwheat market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

The buckwheat market in Northern America experienced shifts between 2018 and 2020. Production started at 99.6 thousand tons in 2018, supported by the crop's short growing season, export potential, and suitability for sustainable farming, which helped maintain stable output. Market volume reached 96.4 thousand tons that year. A rise to 100.2 thousand tons followed in 2019, but in 2020, both production and market size fell to 94.2 thousand tons and 91.5 thousand tons, respectively.

From 2021, the market gradually recovered, with volume reaching 93.1 thousand tons. In 2022, the opening of Else Nutrition's specialized plant in Oregon for demineralized buckwheat added new production capacity for infant formula, while consumer trends toward gluten-free and plant-based foods spurred demand, evidenced by launches like Simple Mills' buckwheat flour cookies. These developments contributed to market stabilization at 93.5 thousand tons in 2022 and growth to 95.8 thousand tons by 2023, aided by increased health awareness and continued activity from major players such as ADM and Bob’s Red Mill.

Production buckwheat in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of buckwheat, 2017-2020

World map of production of buckwheat, 2017-2020

Northern America's buckwheat production grew for two consecutive years before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 103.8 K t, but then fell to 94.2 K t in 2020, marking a 9.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 6.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.2%. The largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 13.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Buckwheat production in Northern America increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 90 370 K $ US, representing a 12.1% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 20.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports buckwheat from Northern America

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, buckwheat exports from Northern America totaled 4 573 t, a 3.2% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports declined by 8.3%, with an average annual decrease of 2.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 256 t, which also saw the largest decline of 14.7%. In contrast, exports increased by 11.0% in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Japan, and Mexico were the main destinations for buckwheat exports from Northern America. France accounted for 12.5% of exports in kind, Japan for 9.5%, and Mexico for 3.2%, together making up 25.2% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Northern America's buckwheat exports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 4 387 K $ US, up 19.6% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 3.2%, with an average annual increase of 1.0%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 3 363 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 20.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Japan, and Mexico accounted for the largest share of buckwheat exports from Northern America in value terms. France held 9.4% of exports, Japan 5.3%, and Mexico 2.1%, together comprising 16.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports buckwheat to Northern America

Imports in kind, t

Buckwheat imports into Northern America showed significant volatility from 2017 to 2020. The lowest point was in 2018 at 1 032 t, which saw a 37.1% decline. Imports then peaked in 2020 at 1 897 t, a sharp 75.5% increase from 2019, resulting in a 1.8-fold fluctuation between the lowest and highest points.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Russia, and France were the primary sources for buckwheat imports into Northern America. China dominated with 65.8% of imports in kind, followed by Russia at 10.2% and France at 2.2%, together accounting for 78.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Buckwheat imports into Northern America increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 1 321 K $ US, a moderate 4.8% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 20.8%, with an average annual increase of 6.5%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 878 K $ US, which saw a 19.7% decline, while the largest increase of 43.5% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the dominant source for buckwheat imports into Northern America in value terms, accounting for 71.2% of total flows. Other countries each held significantly smaller shares.

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

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