Sorghum market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

Sorghum production in ASEAN began at 204.7 thousand tons in 2018, with a market volume of 222.2 thousand tons, supported by the crop's adaptability to drought conditions in marginal areas and increasing adoption of hybrid varieties. The following year saw a decline in both production and market volume to 190.3 and 215.8 thousand tons respectively, even as regional demand for sorghum in animal feed and bioethanol continued to grow. A sharp recovery occurred in 2020, with production rising to 226.7 thousand tons and market volume surging to 266.3 thousand tons, driven by heightened global demand for sorghum in livestock feed and bioenergy, coupled with supply chain adjustments during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After the 2020 peak, sorghum production in ASEAN receded to 215.7 thousand tons in 2021, while the market volume contracted to 237.9 thousand tons. In 2022, production stabilized at 214.9 thousand tons, and the market volume experienced a modest increase to 240.7 thousand tons. This period coincided with the wider uptake of high-yield hybrid sorghum seeds and global energy price increases that bolstered the crop's appeal for biofuel production.

In 2023, ASEAN's sorghum output grew to 219.2 thousand tons, though the total market volume saw a slight decrease to 238.7 thousand tons, reflecting shifts in trade patterns and domestic utilization.

Production sorghum in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sorghum, 2017-2020

World map of production of sorghum, 2017-2020

ASEAN's sorghum production rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2020, the region produced 226.7 K t of sorghum, marking a 19.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 7.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 190.3 K t, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 16.8%.

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

Exports sorghum from ASEAN

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 43 t and peaked in 2018 at 3 861 t, representing a 91-fold difference between these years. In 2020, ASEAN's sorghum export volume was 2 736 t, which represents a dramatic 6 329.6% increase from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 98.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, ASEAN's sorghum exports in kind were distributed across a wide range of markets. China accounted for 6.1% of exports, followed by Asia (not elsewhere specified) at 5.3%, and Pakistan at 5.3%. Together, these three markets represented just 16.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance exhibited notable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest level in 2019 and peaked in 2018, with a 9.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, ASEAN exported 1 020 K $ US worth of sorghum, representing a sharp 650.0% increase year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 136 K $ US, while the maximum value occurred in 2018 at 1 316 K $ US. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 89.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Pakistan was the largest buyer of ASEAN sorghum in value terms at 9.5% of exports, followed by Papua New Guinea at 8.1%, and China at 5.6%. Together, these three countries accounted for 23.2% of total export value, while numerous smaller partners made up the remainder.

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

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

Imports sorghum to ASEAN

Imports in kind, t

ASEAN's sorghum imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 21 298 t of sorghum, showing a steep 65.9% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 85%, equating to an annualized rate of 22.8%. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 21 298 t, while the largest decline occurred that same year at 6.9%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Australia remained the dominant source for ASEAN's sorghum imports in kind, accounting for 46.9% of total volume. Ukraine followed with 19.1%, and India with 14.5%. Together, these three countries represented 80.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

ASEAN's sorghum import value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 18 143 K $ US, representing a substantial 111.7% advance compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 197.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 43.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia was the primary source for ASEAN's sorghum imports in value terms, accounting for 54.8% of total imports. Ukraine followed with 15.7%, and India with 13.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 83.6% of total import flows.

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

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