Buckwheat market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The US buckwheat market volume expanded from 69,933 t in 2018 to 78,531 t in 2020. Initial production was shaped by buckwheat's role as a short-season crop with desirable food traits and an export market, despite constraints from limited acreage and yield. The market's value was notably boosted in 2020 when a 27% spike in global import prices, driven by broader agricultural, macroeconomic, and geopolitical factors, increased the cost of traded buckwheat.

After 2020, market volume contracted and stabilized, reaching 75,364 t in 2022. This period saw new product development and market entry, exemplified by a European manufacturer launching a new buckwheat flour and Else Nutrition opening a specialized facility in Oregon to produce demineralized buckwheat for infant formula. By 2023, domestic market volume fell to 67,975 t, pressured by limited domestic cultivation—reported at only about 40,000 acres—and a significant reliance on international trade flows which directed more production to export markets.

In 2024, industry players formed the North American Buckwheat Alliance to promote collaboration and improve supply chain efficiency, addressing ongoing cultivation challenges. Consumer demand fundamentals remained strong, with over 68% of US consumers preferring whole grain or minimally processed ingredients, aligning with sustained trends for gluten-free, plant-based, and clean-label foods that support buckwheat consumption.

Production buckwheat in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States ranked fourth globally in buckwheat production.

Top producers of buckwheat, 2017-2020

World map of production of buckwheat, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, buckwheat production in the United States declined. In 2020, the country produced 85 300 tonnes of buckwheat, down 0.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 3%, averaging 1.0% per year. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 85 803 tonnes, with the largest annual increase occurring in 2018 at 2.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Buckwheat production value in the United States increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 62 805 thousand US dollars, remaining nearly unchanged from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 15.3%, averaging 4.8% annually.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports buckwheat from the United States

Exports in kind, t

Buckwheat exports from the United States declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 14 332 tonnes, marking a significant drop of 23.9% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 41.5%, with an average annual decline of 16.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Japan was the dominant market for US buckwheat exports in volume terms, accounting for 85.3% of total shipments, while other markets made up a fragmented remainder.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Buckwheat export value from the United States decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 10 552 thousand US dollars, down 23.1% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value declined by 34.5%, averaging a 13.2% annual decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan was the nearly exclusive buyer of US buckwheat in value terms, capturing 90.1% of total exports.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports buckwheat to the United States

Imports in kind, t

Buckwheat imports into the United States increased for the second straight year. In 2020, import volume reached 7 563 tonnes, up 16.0% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 3.5%, averaging 1.2% per year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 5 815 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual decline of 20.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada and Russia together accounted for 88.1% of US buckwheat imports by volume, with other countries contributing smaller, more diversified shares.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Buckwheat import value into the United States rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 62 805 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp increase of 39.0% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 4 983 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual decline of 30.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Canada and Russia were the main sources for US buckwheat imports in value terms, jointly representing 85.1% of total imports, while other partners held significantly smaller shares.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020