Mustard seeds market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The mustard seeds market in MENA began the period at 4 210 t in 2018, supported by a significant 32% increase in harvested area that boosted regional production. Volume then dipped to 3 887 t in 2019 before recovering to 4 073 t in 2020, as sustained demand from ethnic cuisine trends and consumer preference for natural ingredients provided a foundation for growth.

Market expansion accelerated, reaching 4 198 t in 2021 and surging to 5 203 t in 2022. This strong growth was driven by seed technology innovations focused on disease resistance and improved nutrition, alongside expanded research and development activities to raise productivity. Shifting consumer preferences toward organic and sustainable products further supported the increase. In 2023, the market volume adjusted to 4 784 t, while major companies invested in sustainable sourcing initiatives and adopted digital technologies to enhance production efficiency and traceability.

Production mustard seeds in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, kg

Top producers of mustard seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of mustard seeds, 2017-2020

MENA's mustard seed production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 3 160 kg, showing a slight decrease of 0.6% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 11.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 3 460 kg. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 8.1%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, with a jump of 21.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in MENA in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Exports mustard seeds from MENA

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Export volumes varied significantly, with a 2.4-fold difference between the low in 2018 and the high in 2019. In 2020, mustard seed exports from MENA reached 299 t, which is 22.0% lower than in 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 161 t, while the maximum was in 2019 at 383 t. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a surge of 138.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, mustard seed exports from MENA were widely distributed across partner countries. Ethiopia accounted for 7.9% of exports, Free Zones for 3.1%, and Maldives for 2.8%. Together, these three destinations represented only 13.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior during these years was marked by volatility. Export values showed a 2.1-fold variation between the peak in 2019 and the trough in 2017. In 2020, the value of mustard seed exports from MENA amounted to 391 K $ US, reflecting an 18.0% decline compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 477 K $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 90.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the country structure of mustard seed exports in value terms remained highly diversified. Ethiopia contributed 9.6% of export value, Maldives 6.1%, and Free Zones 5.7%. Combined, these three markets accounted for just 21.4% of total flows, with the remaining 78.6% spread across a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports mustard seeds to MENA

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, MENA's mustard seed imports reached 4 369 t, showing a modest increase of 2.4% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 13.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.2%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a drop of 2.3%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 13.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India and Canada dominated MENA's mustard seed imports in kind, together capturing 83.2% of the total. The remaining flows were thinly spread across other markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign mustard seed supplies to MENA declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported a total of 3 482 K $ US worth of mustard seeds, which is 1.2% less than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 20.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 3 728 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 5.4%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, with a jump of 29.1%.

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

During 2017–2020, mustard seed imports to MENA in value terms were largely focused on India and Canada. Their combined share reached 81.7% of total flows, with other destinations playing a secondary role.

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

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