Mustard seeds market in Southern Europe, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The mustard seeds market in Southern Europe expanded significantly from 4 435 thousand tons in 2018 to 5 448 thousand tons in 2019, before contracting to 4 836 thousand tons in 2020. During this initial period, producers in France's Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region focused on improving soil structure and disease resistance by employing specific white mustard varieties, which supported stable local output.

Market volume recovered strongly to 5 548 thousand tons in 2021 and continued growing to 5 953 thousand tons by 2023. This expansion occurred against a backdrop of major supply shocks: a severe drought in Canada cut mustard seed production by 28% in 2021, while the war in Ukraine halted exports from two key global suppliers. In response, French production increased due to favorable weather and the introduction of new insect-resistant varieties, with record prices incentivizing the expansion of cultivated area from 4 000 to 10 000 hectares. By 2023, the market stabilized at a high level, supported by ongoing investments in resilient seeds and farming techniques.

Import volumes into Southern Europe continued their upward trend, reaching 4 525 thousand tons in 2024, alongside a notable rise in exports. Efforts by French associations and producers to strengthen the domestic supply chain and reduce import dependency remained a central feature of the market landscape.

Production mustard seeds in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of mustard seeds, 2017-2020

World map of production of mustard seeds, 2017-2020

Southern Europe's mustard seed production declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the region produced 2 491 tonnes, marking a slight decrease of 2.4% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 3.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 554 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 4.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports mustard seeds from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, t

Southern Europe's mustard seed exports grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 774 tonnes, representing a 12.2% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by 107.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 27.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary, Germany, and France were the main export markets for mustard seeds from Southern Europe, accounting for 80.5% of total export volumes. Hungary led with 55.6% of exports, followed by Germany at 14.8% and France at 10.0%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Southern Europe's mustard seed export value increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 1 296 thousand US dollars, showing a substantial rise of 48.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 219.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 47.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hungary, Germany, and France dominated the export value of mustard seeds from Southern Europe, collectively representing 78.8% of total flows. Hungary accounted for 46.7% of export value, Germany for 17.1%, and France for 14.9%.

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

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

Imports mustard seeds to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, t

Mustard seed imports into Southern Europe showed significant volatility during this period. Imports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2018, with a 5.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Southern Europe imported approximately 3 119 tonnes, which was 13.0% lower than in 2019. The smallest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 603 tonnes. The largest year-on-year decline occurred in 2018 at 82.6%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 37.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Canada, and Ukraine were the primary sources for mustard seed imports into Southern Europe, together making up 83.2% of total import volumes. France led with 54.0% of imports, followed by Canada at 16.9% and Ukraine at 12.3%.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Southern Europe's mustard seed import value reached 3 716 thousand US dollars, declining by 1.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 20%, with an average annual decline of 7.2%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2018 at 2 992 thousand US dollars. The largest year-on-year drop occurred in 2018 at 35.6%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 26.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, Canada, France, and Ukraine were the three main markets for mustard seed imports into Southern Europe in value terms, collectively accounting for 62.9% of total import flows.

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

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