Canary seeds market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

The ASEAN canary seeds market contracted from 54.4 thousand tons in 2018 to 45.3 thousand tons in 2023, a reduction largely driven by a steep decline in imports, which fell from 17.4 thousand tons to 8.2 thousand tons over the same period. Domestic production remained exceptionally stable, fluctuating narrowly between 37.0 and 37.1 thousand tons annually, indicating that the overall market shrinkage was primarily an import-side phenomenon.

Despite the falling total volume, broader regional trends showed growing consumer interest in gluten-free and health-oriented foods, alongside a rise in online seed sales due to convenience and improved delivery practices. These factors supported innovation and likely helped sustain stable domestic production levels, though they did not offset the significant reduction in import volumes that defined the market's downward trajectory.

A notable shift in trade dynamics occurred, with import prices for canary seeds in Asia rising by 3.5% in 2024, making foreign supplies more expensive. This continued to pressure imports downward, with volumes falling to 6.3 thousand tons that year. The regional import landscape also evolved, with Saudi Arabia, China, and Turkey becoming the dominant buyers, accounting for 55% of total Asian imports.

Production canary seeds in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of canary seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of canary seeds, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, canary seed production in ASEAN declined. In 2020, production reached 37 015 tonnes, showing minimal change compared to 2019. The peak production was recorded in 2019 at 37 188 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 1.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports canary seeds from ASEAN

Exports in kind, t

ASEAN exported 21 tonnes of canary seeds in 2019, marking a significant 45.6% year-over-year increase. Between 2017 and 2019, exports grew by 35.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 10.7%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 14 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 6.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt was the primary destination for ASEAN's canary seed exports, consistently accounting for 91.6% of total export volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market displayed volatility during this period. Exports reached a high in 2019 and a low in 2018, with a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2019, ASEAN exported canary seeds worth 14 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp increase of 183.5% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 5 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 37.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Egypt, India, and Hong Kong were consistently the main destinations for ASEAN's canary seed exports in value terms. Egypt accounted for 36.5% of exports, India for 2.3%, and Hong Kong for 1.4%, together making up 40.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports canary seeds to ASEAN

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed significant fluctuations during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, ASEAN imported 6 746 tonnes of canary seeds, a steep 44.0% drop from 2019. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 17 378 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 78.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in volume terms were heavily concentrated on Canada, which accounted for 98.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. They fluctuated by a factor of two between the high in 2018 and the low in 2020. In 2020, ASEAN imported canary seeds worth approximately 4 246 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 36.3% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 8 580 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 71.0%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Canada dominated ASEAN's canary seed imports in value terms, consistently representing 97.9% of total import flows.

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

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