Buckwheat market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the buckwheat market in South America expanded from 61 329 t to 62 554 t. This initial growth was supported by rising interest in the crop as a gluten-free ingredient, particularly in Argentina, where agronomic research identified optimal sowing dates to improve yields. The product's appeal for celiac consumers and its versatility in baked goods and beer contributed to stronger domestic production and consumption.

The market volume dipped to 61 225 t in 2020, then recovered to 62 212 t in 2021. The recovery coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which amplified global consumer focus on health and gluten-free diets, boosting demand for buckwheat. From 2022, the market stabilized around 62 254 t before declining to 60 656 t in 2023. This later trend was influenced by the consolidation of export-oriented production, especially in Brazil, where programs supported farmers and targeted premium markets like Japan, increasing outbound shipments and tempering domestic supply growth.

Production buckwheat in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of buckwheat, 2017-2020

World map of production of buckwheat, 2017-2020

Buckwheat production in South America has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, South America produced 64 029 tonnes of buckwheat, marking a 0.6% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 0.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

South America's buckwheat production value has also risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 29 391 thousand US dollars, remaining largely stable relative to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 7.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%.

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

Exports buckwheat from South America

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. Volumes dropped to their lowest point in 2019 at 1 102 tonnes and then climbed to their peak in 2020 at 2 829 tonnes, representing a 2.6-fold increase. In 2020, South America exported 2 829 tonnes of buckwheat, reflecting a dramatic year-over-year rise of 156.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 38.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan was by far the main destination for South America's buckwheat exports in kind, accounting for 98.9% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Volumes fell to their minimum in 2019 at 507 thousand US dollars and then rose to their maximum in 2020 at 1 298 thousand US dollars, a 2.6-fold shift. In 2020, buckwheat exports from South America totaled 1 298 thousand US dollars, showing a steep advance of 155.9% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, at 39.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Japan dominated the partner structure of buckwheat exports in value terms, consistently accounting for 98.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports buckwheat to South America

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 10 tonnes and then peaked in 2020 at 24 tonnes, a 2.4-fold increase. In 2020, South America imported 24 tonnes of buckwheat, reflecting an uptick of 27.3% year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 36.8%, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 89.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the dominant destination for buckwheat imports in kind to South America, accounting for 76.7% of total flows, with the remaining share distributed among several smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. Volumes hit their minimum in 2018 at 11 thousand US dollars and then peaked in 2020 at 34 thousand US dollars, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 3.2 times. In 2020, South America imported approximately 34 thousand US dollars worth of buckwheat, indicating a gain of 65.4% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, at 62.4%, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 92.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China and the Netherlands played the leading roles in buckwheat imports in value terms, with a combined share of 95.6% of total flows, while the remaining share was dispersed among other countries.

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

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