Rye market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. rye market volume fluctuated between 2018 and 2022, rising to 576 thousand tons in 2019 before a two-year contraction brought it to 495 thousand tons in 2021. The market rebounded strongly in 2022, reaching 585 thousand tons, signaling a recovery in overall consumption.

In 2023, the market volume grew further to 597 thousand tons. This expansion was supported by heightened demand from the whiskey sector, where major producers like Beam Suntory and Diageo reported increased sales of premium rye spirits, driving greater usage of rye grain in distillation.

By 2024, the market saw the entry of a new distillery in New York focusing on local rye, adding production capacity. Concurrently, the USDA's GSM-102 credit guarantee program included rye, facilitating trade. Consumer preference for organic and healthy options continued to underpin demand, influencing market dynamics.

Production rye in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States ranked as the world's 12th largest producer of rye.

Top producers of rye, 2017-2020

World map of production of rye, 2017-2020

Rye production in the United States grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 292.9 thousand tons of rye, marking an 8.6% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 12.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 214.2 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 17.8%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 26.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of rye production in the United States increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 304.9 million US dollars, showing a strong year-over-year gain of 15.0%. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 27.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 212.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 10.9%. Meanwhile, 2019 posted the largest increase at 24.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports rye from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Rye exports from the United States increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 5.2 thousand tons, up 8.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 34.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 3.6 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 6.6%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 32.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea and Japan were the primary buyers of US rye, together accounting for 83.2% of total exports in volume, with other countries making up the remainder.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of rye exports from the United States increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 5 378 thousand US dollars, which is 14.9% higher than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value rose by 52.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 15.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea absorbed 81.5% of the total value of US rye exports, with the rest distributed among a wide range of smaller destinations.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports rye to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, rye imports into the United States declined. In 2020, imports stood at 263.4 thousand tons, reflecting a strong year-over-year loss of 15.3%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 20%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.3%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 310.8 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase of 27.2% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import structure in volume was dominated by Canada and Germany, which together accounted for 91.2% of total flows, with other markets forming a long tail.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year rise, rye imports into the United States declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 66 759 thousand US dollars, representing a 20.9% fall compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 47.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 84 414 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 49.3% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada and Germany dominated rye imports in value terms, accounting together for 91.8% of total flows, with other destinations having smaller individual contributions.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020