Oats market in Norway

Earlier Report Observations

The Norwegian oats market expanded significantly from 2018 to 2020, with volume rising from 200.8 thousand tons to 353.2 thousand tons. This growth was driven by increased domestic production, which more than doubled over the period. Following extreme drought in 2018 that reduced harvests, the industry focused on supply security and adopted new oat varieties with better disease resistance and yield potential. Agricultural negotiations also set higher target prices, providing incentives for farmers to expand oat cultivation.

After peaking in 2020, market volume dipped in 2021 but recovered partly in 2022, reaching 323 thousand tons. The launch of GRYR oat drink made from Norwegian oats in 2022 created a new product segment and boosted consumption of oat-based beverages. However, in 2023 the market contracted sharply to 202 thousand tons. A market report indicated lower food-grain consumption, and new municipal planning and soil conservation directives began affecting land availability for grain production.

Production oats in Norway

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

On a global scale, Norway ranked as the 23rd largest producer of oats during the period from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of oats, 2018-2021

World map of production of oats, 2018-2021

After two consecutive years of growth, Norway's oats production volume declined in 2021. The country produced 269.0 thousand tonnes of oats that year, which represents a 14.7% decrease compared to 2020. Over the entire period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 71.8%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 19.8%. The peak production was recorded in 2020 at 315.5 thousand tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2019 with a 46.7% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Norway in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports oats from Norway

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility throughout the observed period. Export levels fluctuated dramatically, with a 11.5-fold difference between the high in 2019 and the low in 2021. In 2021, Norway exported 6 tonnes of oats, marking a sharp decline of 82.6% compared to the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 72 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 770.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, two countries—Iceland and Sweden—accounted for the majority of Norway's oats exports in volume terms, while other markets individually played a less significant role.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Norway in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatile behavior during these years. Exports varied by 9.1-fold, with the high point in 2019 and the low in 2018. In 2021, Norway exported 16 thousand US dollars worth of oats, corresponding to an abrupt decline of 51.5% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 52 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 813.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Norway in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018–2021, Iceland and Sweden formed a dominant pair of markets for Norway's oats exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 86.7% of total flows, with other countries representing the remaining share.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Norway in value, 2018-2021

Imports oats to Norway

Imports in kind, t

Oats imports into Norway declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the import volume reached 13 994 tonnes, reflecting an abrupt decrease of 62.9% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 68.4%, equating to an average annual decline rate of 31.9%. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 73 344 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 65.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

Over the period 2018–2021, Sweden (25.8% of imports in volume), Russia (23.2% of imports in volume), and Estonia (10.2% of imports in volume) remained the leading sources in Norway's import structure for oats, with a combined share of 59.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Norway in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Norway's oats imports declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country imported 3 889 thousand US dollars worth of oats, showing a sharp fall of 60.6% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 71.6%, translating to an average annual decline rate of 34.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 20 029 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 46.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Norway in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, three principal markets—Sweden, Russia, and Latvia—together accounted for 56.8% of total oats imports into Norway in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Norway in value, 2018-2021