Mustard seeds market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The mustard seeds market in Eastern Asia, largely reflecting trends in China, expanded from 26 101 t in 2018 to 26 455 t in 2019. This initial growth was supported by a substantial increase in mustard cultivation area in Chongqing's Dianjiang district and the successful trial of the new high-yield 'Yuzao 100' variety. Market volume then contracted by 2.5% to 25 787 t in 2020.

A strong recovery followed in 2021, with the market growing by 9.8% to 28 325 t. This surge coincided with the Ministry of Agriculture implementing stricter seed quality controls and labeling requirements, which raised market access standards. After a modest decline in 2022, the market volume leapt by 15% in 2023 to reach 31 387 t. This peak was directly linked to the further expansion of mustard planting area in Chongqing to 170 000 mu, where the 'Yuzao 100' variety, maturing two months earlier, effectively doubled output per unit area and enriched the autumn-winter vegetable supply.

Technological innovation in the seed industry remained a key theme, with the national breeding base in South China playing a central role. By 2024, continued progress in mustard breeding and enhanced intellectual property protection aimed at sustaining a respect-for-innovation market environment.

Production mustard seeds in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of mustard seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of mustard seeds, 2017-2020

Eastern Asia's mustard seed production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 19 081 tonnes, marking a modest 1.6% rise compared to 2019. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 18 749 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 0.8% during the period.

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

Exports mustard seeds from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, t

The export market for mustard seeds from Eastern Asia showed an unstable trend from 2017 to 2020. Exports peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2019, with a six-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports totaled 135 tonnes, representing a significant 254.3% increase from the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 38 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 74.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, mustard seed exports from Eastern Asia were distributed across a diverse range of partner countries. The United States accounted for 28.6% of exports, New Zealand for 6.7%, and Asia, not elsewhere specified, for 5.0%. Together, these three markets represented 40.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms displayed volatility from 2017 to 2020. There was a 3.5-fold variation between the peak in 2017 and the trough in 2019. In 2020, Eastern Asia exported mustard seeds worth 161 thousand US dollars, up 158.7% from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 62 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 66.0%.

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

During 2017–2020, the partner structure for mustard seed exports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. The United States held a 20.9% share, Asia, not elsewhere specified accounted for 11.6%, and New Zealand represented 5.4%. Combined, these three countries made up 37.9% of total flows, with many other nations contributing the remaining 62.1%.

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

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

Imports mustard seeds to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, mustard seed imports into Eastern Asia declined. In 2020, import volume stood at 6 841 tonnes, down 11.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 3.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.1%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 7 704 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 6.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada remained the dominant and nearly exclusive source for mustard seed imports into Eastern Asia, accounting for 90.1% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Mustard seed imports into Eastern Asia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 6 048 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp 14.2% year-on-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 12.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 7 199 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 3.7%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, Canada continued to be the dominant partner for mustard seed imports into Eastern Asia in value terms, holding an 86.1% share of total flows. Other markets formed a long tail, contributing smaller portions.

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

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