Raw or retted, not spun flax market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for raw or retted, not spun flax in China expanded strongly from 2018 to 2020, with volume rising from 13 000 t to 21 000 t. This surge was primarily driven by rising consumer demand for health foods and supplements, coupled with major domestic producers expanding their capacities. Government agricultural subsidies in 2019 encouraged greater flax cultivation, while the introduction of a health labeling system increased product trust. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further accelerated demand for flax-based health products, even as supply chains faced disruptions, with processors strengthening online sales channels to reach consumers.

Growth continued into 2021 and 2022, reaching a peak of 30 600 t. During this period, large state-owned enterprises significantly increased their production capacity and R&D investment. New market entrants launched functional and eco-friendly flax products, broadening the offer. Support from government policies promoting sustainable agriculture and the emergence of new high-functional and organic product segments further stimulated consumption. Enhanced cooperation between state-owned and private companies also improved production and distribution efficiency.

In 2023, the market volume experienced a moderate correction, declining to 29 300 t, signaling a market consolidation phase following the earlier rapid expansion.

Production raw or retted, not spun flax in Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of raw or retted, not spun flax, 2017-2020

World map of production of raw or retted, not spun flax, 2017-2020

Asia's production of raw or retted, not spun flax has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 20 353 tonnes, marking a significant rise of 22.6% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 88.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 23.5%.

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

Exports raw or retted, not spun flax from Asia

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 7.6 times. In 2020, Asia exported 70.3 tonnes of raw or retted, not spun flax, representing a sharp increase of 657.0% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 9.3 tonnes, with the largest decline of 84.8% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets—the Netherlands, Italy, and Germany—remained central to exports in kind, collectively accounting for 18.5% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Export values hit their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a 7.9-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Asia exported 223 thousand US dollars worth of raw or retted, not spun flax, showing a dramatic rise of 693.3% from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 28 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 79.3% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms of raw or retted, not spun flax from Asia were characterized by a broad spread across markets. The Netherlands (20.8% of exports in value terms), Italy (3.8%), and Portugal (1.9%) together accounted for only 26.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports raw or retted, not spun flax to Asia

Imports in kind, t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Import volumes bottomed in 2018 and peaked in 2020, differing by 10.5 times. In 2020, raw or retted, not spun flax shipments to Asia from abroad amounted to 747.5 tonnes, equivalent to a steep uptick of 82.5% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 71.5 tonnes, with the largest decline of 26.2% occurring that year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 473.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada (27.2% of imports in kind), Egypt (22.8%), and Asia, not elsewhere specified (4.8%) consistently held leading positions in the country structure of imports in kind, jointly accounting for 54.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Asia's imports of raw or retted, not spun flax in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 1 158 thousand US dollars, up by 14.5% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 757.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 104.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of imports in value terms was highly diversified. Canada (10.2% of imports in value terms), Egypt (9.7%), and Asia, not elsewhere specified (4.5%) together accounted for only 24.3% of total flows, while the remaining 75.7% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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