Buckwheat market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the buckwheat market volume in Southern Asia remained stable at approximately 13 700 t per year. Growing consumer awareness of its gluten-free and diabetic-friendly properties began to create urban demand, but expansion was limited by challenges in accessing quality seeds, a lack of processing facilities, and weak market linkages.

Market volume then rose sharply by 30% to 17 759 t in 2021 and increased a further 14% to 20 328 t in 2022, marking a period of significant expansion.

In 2023, the market contracted by 22% to 15 948 t. By 2024, factors influencing the sector included the entry of new exporters such as CMTL and Hyderabad ICD, a rise in global demand for healthy foods, and the launch of value-added buckwheat products like flour and noodles.

Production buckwheat in Southern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of buckwheat, 2017-2020

World map of production of buckwheat, 2017-2020

Buckwheat production in Southern Asia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 14 424 tonnes of buckwheat, marking a modest 4.4% increase from the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually declined by 7.1%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 2.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 13 463 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 13.3% during this timeframe.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports buckwheat from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced significant fluctuations over the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 7.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, foreign buckwheat supplies from Southern Asia amounted to 852.4 tonnes, representing a substantial increase of 402.6% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 17.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, buckwheat exports from Southern Asia were distributed across a wide range of markets. The top three destinations—the United Arab Emirates (14.9% of exports), Oman (6.3%), and Saudi Arabia (3.9%)—collectively accounted for just 25.2% of total export volumes, indicating a relatively diversified market structure.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Export values hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with the peak value being 2.2 times higher than the trough. In 2020, buckwheat shipments from Southern Asia totaled 242.3 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp increase of 69.0% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 33.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 94.7% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, buckwheat exports from Southern Asia in value terms were not heavily concentrated in a few key markets. The United Arab Emirates (18.0% of export value), Oman (7.4%), and Saudi Arabia (5.3%) together made up only 30.7% of total export flows, reflecting a broad distribution across multiple destinations.

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

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

Imports buckwheat to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, t

The import market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2019, with an 8.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Southern Asia imported 130.4 tonnes of buckwheat, marking a sudden increase of 145.6% compared to the previous year. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 53.1 tonnes, while the maximum was in 2018 at 432.9 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with imports falling by 87.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China and Russia were the leading suppliers of buckwheat to Southern Asia, together accounting for 36.8% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Import values peaked in 2018 and hit a low in 2019, with the peak value being 6.3 times higher than the trough. In 2020, Southern Asia imported a total of 82.1 thousand US dollars worth of buckwheat, up by 95.6% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 42.0 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2018 at 265.5 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 84.2%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, China (48.6% of import value), Russia (2.3%), and the United Arab Emirates (1.7%) formed the core of buckwheat imports into Southern Asia in value terms, together accounting for 52.5% of total import flows.

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

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