Millet market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The millet market in Central Asia saw a dramatic expansion in 2019, with volume surging by 47% to 136.7 thousand tonnes. This growth was propelled by sustained government agricultural support programs, which enhanced yields, and a rising consumer preference for healthy and gluten-free foods, boosting demand for millet.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, market volume dipped by 6% to 128.8 thousand tonnes amid supply chain disruptions, though domestic production held steady due to state backing for farmers. Interest in environmentally friendly products continued to support consumption, leading to a modest recovery to 131.3 thousand tonnes in 2021.

After a sharp contraction to 103.9 thousand tonnes in 2022, the market rebounded by 15% to 119.2 thousand tonnes in 2023. This recovery was driven by an increase in sown areas in response to demand for affordable, nutritious staples and by ongoing government initiatives to develop agricultural infrastructure and improve farming techniques.

Production millet in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of millet, 2017-2020

World map of production of millet, 2017-2020

Millet production in Central Asia declined after two years of growth. In 2019, production reached its peak at 147.2 thousand tons, but then fell by 5.2% to 139.5 thousand tons in 2020. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production surged by 91%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 24.1%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 55.1%.

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

Exports millet from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

Cross-border shipments of millet from Central Asia have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 11 368 tons, marking a modest rise of 6.5% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports soared by 6 465.7%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 303.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey, Pakistan, and Iraq were the top destinations for millet exports from Central Asia, accounting for 27.5%, 24.2%, and 23.9% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three countries made up 75.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Millet shipments from Central Asia to international markets have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 6 095 thousand US dollars, showing a slight increase of 2.7% over the past year. From 2017 to 2020, exports expanded by 4 164.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 249.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Pakistan, Turkey, and Iraq were the three principal markets for millet exports from Central Asia in value terms, collectively representing 82.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports millet to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

Millet imports into Central Asia have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports hit 620 tons, reflecting a dramatic surge of 197.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 307.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 59.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Russia, Ukraine, and Iraq were the main sources of millet imports into Central Asia in kind, accounting for 50.1%, 4.3%, and 2.7% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries comprised 57.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Millet import values in Central Asia showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 42 thousand US dollars, which then increased to a peak of 109 thousand US dollars in 2020, representing a 2.6-fold variation. In 2020, imports rose by 21.7% year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 34.5%, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a jump of 114.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Ukraine, and Iraq formed the main cluster of markets for millet imports into Central Asia in value terms, accounting for 57.8%, 9.3%, and 7.9% of imports, respectively. Together, they held a combined share of 74.9% of total import flows.

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

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