Millet market in Kazakhstan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the millet market in Kazakhstan showed volatile volume movements. The market grew to 41 441 t in 2019, supported by the entry of new players like farmer cooperatives and the adoption of new production technologies, both encouraged by state agricultural programs. However, in 2020, supply chain and distribution disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the market volume to 37 751 t, despite government support measures and rising consumer interest in local products.

The market contraction continued in the subsequent period. In 2021, the introduction of new labeling and traceability requirements for agricultural products, along with tighter quality control, temporarily constrained supply. At the same time, improved logistics and trade agreements expanded export opportunities, increasing outflows and reducing domestic market volume to 32 669 t. Investments in agrotechnology and production modernization supported a slight rebound to 33 587 t in 2022, though legislative changes stimulating exports continued to divert supply. By 2023, global factors such as rising energy prices and logistical complexities raised production costs, while heightened state export promotion further reduced the domestic market volume to 30 895 t.

Production millet in Kazakhstan

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of millet, 2017-2020

World map of production of millet, 2017-2020

Kazakhstan's millet production saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2020, production reached 39 852 tonnes, representing a 6.5% year-on-year drop. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production grew by 5.1%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.7%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 42 617 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 6.1%.

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

Exports millet from Kazakhstan

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports varied significantly, with the lowest point in 2017 and the highest in 2020, representing a 15-fold difference. In 2020, Kazakhstan exported 2 608 tonnes of millet, marking a 92.7% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 39.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 1 189.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Iran, and Turkey formed the core group of markets for millet exports in kind. Germany accounted for 26.9% of exports, Iran for 26.7%, and Turkey for 20.9%. Together, these three countries represented 74.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports varied considerably, with the lowest value in 2017 and the highest in 2020, showing a 6.5-fold difference. In 2020, Kazakhstan exported millet worth 922.7 thousand US dollars, marking a 126.1% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 31.0%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 313.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Turkey, and Iran were the key markets for millet exports in value terms. Germany accounted for 61.1% of export value, Turkey for 12.2%, and Iran for 10.9%. Collectively, these three countries represented 84.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports millet to Kazakhstan

Imports in kind, t

Millet imports to Kazakhstan increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 506 tonnes, marking a 184.7% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 1 393.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 146.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner base for millet imports in kind was extremely narrow. Russia alone was responsible for 98.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized market behavior during these years. The lowest value was observed in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 3.9 times. In 2020, millet deliveries to Kazakhstan registered 60.5 thousand US dollars, down by 12.0% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 68.7 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase at 124.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports of millet to Kazakhstan in value terms were almost entirely concentrated in Russia, whose share reached 95.6%.

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

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