Castor seeds market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The castor seeds market in Western Asia grew consistently from 1 671 tonnes in 2018 to 2 827 tonnes in 2023, marking a 69% increase over the six-year period. Domestic production remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 1 541 and 1 584 tonnes annually, while imports rose sharply from 90 tonnes to 1 291 tonnes, becoming the primary contributor to market expansion.

Market growth accelerated notably in the latter part of the period. After moderate annual increases, the market volume jumped by 14.7% in 2022 and then by 30.9% in 2023. This surge added 944 tonnes to the market in just two years, with imports accounting for the overwhelming majority of this additional supply.

Production castor seeds in Western Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of castor seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of castor seeds, 2017-2020

In 2019, Western Asia produced 1,541 tons of castor seeds, marking the lowest output in recent years. Production then increased by 2.7% in 2020, reaching 1,582 tons. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1,584 tons. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 2.7%.

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

Exports castor seeds from Western Asia

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1.1 tons, while the highest occurred in 2017. The difference between these peak and trough levels was 5.4 times. In 2020, Western Asia exported 5.6 tons of castor seeds, representing a sharp increase of 410.1% compared to 2019. The most significant decline was in 2019, when exports dropped by 64.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Western Asia's export portfolio for castor seeds was quite broad. Tajikistan accounted for 6.4% of exports in kind, Tanzania for 4.4%, and Kyrgyzstan for 4.0%. Together, these three countries represented 14.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Castor seed exports from Western Asia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 67 thousand US dollars, marking a decrease of 62.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 95%, with a compound annual growth rate of -63.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico was the principal buyer of castor seeds from Western Asia, accounting for 49.9% of exports in value terms. The United Kingdom followed with 18.8%, and Brazil with 11.7%. Together, these three countries represented 80.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports castor seeds to Western Asia

Imports in kind, t

Castor seed imports into Western Asia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 238.3 tons, showing a modest rise of 5.1% compared to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 437.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 75.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, India played a dominant role in castor seed imports to Western Asia, consistently accounting for 94.8% of total import flows in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Import levels varied significantly, with the lowest value recorded in 2017 and the highest in 2019, showing a 4.2-fold difference. In 2020, castor seed import volumes in Western Asia amounted to 281 thousand US dollars, down by 28.0% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 391 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year of 172.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of imports in value terms was highly concentrated, with India alone accounting for 94.9% of total flows.

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

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