Rye market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the rye market volume in the CIS fluctuated significantly. The market contracted to 2.2 million tons in 2019 as sown area and harvests fell to their lowest levels in decades, driven by shrinking consumer demand for rye. However, in 2020, volume surged to 3.6 million tons. This sharp increase was supported by improved producer profitability, a strong import substitution push, and government procurement activities that helped stabilize supply.

After the 2020 peak, the market declined to 2.5 million tons in 2021 as farmers continued to reduce rye acreage, shifting toward more lucrative crops such as rapeseed and soybeans. A temporary recovery to 2.8 million tons followed in 2022. By 2023, the market volume fell again to 2.4 million tons, pressured by a further 10% reduction in sown area—reaching a historic low—and persistently weak domestic demand for rye.

Production rye in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of rye, 2017-2020

World map of production of rye, 2017-2020

After two years of decline, rye production in the CIS rebounded. In 2020, production reached 3 467 thousand tonnes, marking a sharp increase of 56.8% compared to the previous year. The lowest point was recorded in 2019 at 2 211 thousand tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 25.1%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 6.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in CIS in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports rye from CIS

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited considerable volatility during these years. Export volumes peaked in 2018 at 240.8 thousand tonnes and fell to their lowest point in 2020 at 1.2 thousand tonnes, representing a 206-fold difference. In 2020, exports decreased by 97.9% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, with a surge of 556.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Latvia, Germany, and Israel were the leading destinations for rye exports in kind from the CIS. Latvia accounted for 51.1% of exports, Germany for 17.0%, and Israel for 4.5%. Together, these three countries made up 72.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market demonstrated volatility over the observed period. Export values reached their highest point in 2018 at 37 214 thousand US dollars and dropped to their lowest in 2020 at 1 913 thousand US dollars, a 19-fold variation. In 2020, export value declined sharply by 81.0% compared to the previous year. The most substantial increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 630.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Latvia, Germany, and Israel played key roles in the value of rye exports from the CIS. Latvia contributed 50.5% of export value, Germany 18.7%, and Israel 4.0%. Collectively, these three countries represented 73.2% of total export flows in value terms.

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

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

Imports rye to CIS

Imports in kind, K t

Rye imports into the CIS increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 84.8 thousand tonnes, up by 342.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 2 678.8%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 202.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Latvia, Poland, and Lithuania were the primary sources for rye imports in kind to the CIS. Latvia accounted for 23.3% of imports, Poland for 19.5%, and Lithuania for 12.5%. Together, these three countries comprised 55.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imported rye volumes in the CIS rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, the CIS imported a total of 21 069 thousand US dollars worth of rye, an increase of 215.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 976.8%, which corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 120.8%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, Poland, Latvia, and Ukraine were the main destinations for rye imports in value terms to the CIS. Poland accounted for 19.8% of import value, Latvia for 17.9%, and Ukraine for 14.1%. Collectively, these three countries made up 51.8% of total import flows.

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

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