Millet market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

The millet market volume in ASEAN demonstrated relative stability from 2018 to 2023, moving within a range of 236 thousand tons to 256 thousand tons. A contraction to 236.4 thousand tons in 2020 was followed by a recovery to 256.3 thousand tons in 2021, after which the market size settled near 254 thousand tons. This period saw domestic production fluctuate, with a notable rebound to 172.8 thousand tons in 2023, while import volumes climbed until 2022 before beginning to decline.

Recent developments are reinforcing regional market dynamics. Government policy measures, including production-linked incentive schemes and minimum-support prices in major producing nations, are actively encouraging local millet cultivation and processing. The entry of established companies and well-funded startups introducing new product lines aligns with growing consumer preference for nutritious, gluten-free foods. These elements collectively support a trend toward greater regional supply, coinciding with a reduction in import volumes to 78.8 thousand tons in 2024.

Production millet in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of millet, 2017-2020

World map of production of millet, 2017-2020

ASEAN's millet production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2019, production stood at 155.6 K t, but by 2020 it had dropped to 148.0 K t, representing a decrease of 4.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 30.6%, which translates to an annualized decline of 11.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the value of millet production in ASEAN was $55 157 K US, down 16.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 19.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, when production value rose by 12.1%.

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

Exports millet from ASEAN

Exports in kind, K t

ASEAN's millet export volume has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2019, exports were 9.3 K t, and by 2020 they reached 12.9 K t, marking a sharp increase of 38.4%. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 42.7%, with an annualized rate of 12.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 7.4 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 18.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the leading destination for ASEAN's millet exports in volume terms, accounting for 82.9% of total flows, while the remainder was distributed among other partners.

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

ASEAN's millet export value has risen for the second year in a row. In 2019, exports were valued at $3 977 K US, and in 2020 they increased to $4 817 K US, up 21.1%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 64.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.1%. The lowest value was in 2018 at $2 572 K US, which also experienced the largest decline of 12.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 54.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the principal market for ASEAN's millet exports in value terms, making up 78.1% of total exports, while other destinations accounted for a smaller share.

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

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

Imports millet to ASEAN

Imports in kind, K t

ASEAN's millet import volume has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2019, imports were 93.3 K t, and by 2020 they reached 101.3 K t, up 8.6%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 52.2%, with an annualized growth rate of 15.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the dominant source for ASEAN's millet imports in volume terms, holding an 82.6% share of total flows, with the rest fragmented across other markets.

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

ASEAN's millet import value has grown for the third year in a row. In 2019, imports were valued at $41 847 K US, and in 2020 they rose to $47 196 K US, a strong increase of 12.8%. Between 2017 and 2020, import value surged by 115.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 29.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States accounted for 80.6% of ASEAN's total millet import value, with the balance spread across a wide range of smaller destinations.

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

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