Millet market in Bangladesh

Earlier Report Observations

The millet market volume in Bangladesh grew from 12 712 tonnes in 2018 to 15 629 tonnes in 2023, driven primarily by a surge in imports which rose from 1 tonne to over 3 300 tonnes over the period. Domestic production remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 11 958 and 12 781 tonnes, indicating that the market expansion was largely import-led.

Government initiatives to promote millet cultivation, including the provision of improved seeds and technology to farmers, helped maintain stable production. Simultaneously, rising consumer awareness of millet's health benefits, such as its role in weight management and diabetes control, stimulated demand. The declaration of 2022–23 as the International Year of Millets led to enhanced policy support, budget allocations for market expansion, and increased corporate sector involvement, which further boosted import volumes to meet growing consumption.

Production millet in Bangladesh

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of millet, 2017-2020

World map of production of millet, 2017-2020

Bangladesh's millet production experienced a two-year growth period before declining. In 2020, the country produced 11 958 tons of millet, representing a 6.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 15.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.8%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 12 781 tons, while the most significant year-over-year increase occurred in 2018 at 22.5%.

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

Exports millet from Bangladesh

Exports in kind, t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 100-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Bangladesh exported just 0.5 tons of millet, representing a dramatic 99.0% decrease compared to the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 50.2 tons, which also marked the largest year-over-year increase at 1 802.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bangladesh's millet exports were overwhelmingly concentrated in a single market. Sri Lanka accounted for 98.6% of all export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market demonstrated considerable volatility throughout the observed timeframe. Export values reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 33-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Bangladesh exported millet worth 0.6 thousand US dollars, representing a 97.0% decrease compared to the previous year. The maximum export value was recorded in 2019 at 20.0 thousand US dollars, which also marked the largest year-over-year increase at 806.3%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Sri Lanka dominated Bangladesh's millet export market in value terms, accounting for 85.7% of total export flows. Other markets played comparatively minor roles during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports millet to Bangladesh

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed significant volatility during the observed period. The lowest import level was recorded in 2018, while imports peaked in 2020, with a 559-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Bangladesh imported 483.4 tons of millet, representing a substantial 447.7% increase compared to the previous year. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2018 at just 0.9 tons, which also marked the largest year-over-year decrease at 99.2%. The most significant import increase occurred in 2019 at 10 103.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three countries dominated Bangladesh's millet imports in volume terms. Ukraine accounted for 55.9% of imports, India represented 21.9%, and Belgium contributed 15.4%. Together, these three markets comprised 93.2% of Bangladesh's total millet imports during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest import level was recorded in 2018, while imports reached their peak in 2020, with a 10.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Bangladesh imported millet worth 159.8 thousand US dollars, representing a significant 165.9% increase compared to the previous year. The minimum import value was recorded in 2018 at 15.3 thousand US dollars, which also marked the largest year-over-year decrease at 63.2%. The most substantial import increase occurred in 2019 at 292.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three countries served as the primary suppliers of millet to Bangladesh in value terms. Ukraine accounted for 42.6% of import value, Belgium represented 32.8%, and India contributed 14.9%. Together, these three markets comprised 90.3% of Bangladesh's total millet import value during this period.

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

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