Sorghum market in Mali

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, Mali's sorghum production increased from 1.47 million tonnes to 1.82 million tonnes, a 24% rise over two years. This growth was primarily driven by the entry of new seed companies like Camara Semence, Comptoir2000 and Dounkafa, which began producing and distributing certified seeds of improved varieties such as Falenba, Tisamba and Wilibali. The simultaneous promotion of agricultural mechanization and the initial diffusion of hybrid seeds further enhanced yields and supported the expansion of the market volume.

Production dropped sharply to 1.24 million tonnes in 2021, a 32% decline, a period which saw the government suspend exports of cereals including sorghum from December 2021, creating market uncertainty. However, output rebounded strongly to 1.60 million tonnes in 2022, a 29% increase, as continued seed sector development took effect. Malian seed companies expanded their certified seed volumes, and climate-resilient, biofortified varieties were disseminated through programs like those of WFP and ICRISAT, countering challenges from rainfall variability and maize competition.

In 2023, production saw a modest 4.7% decrease to 1.53 million tonnes, constrained by irregular rainfall distribution, insecurity limiting cultivated areas, and high input costs. Concurrently, the sorghum processing sector grew, led by women entrepreneurs diversifying product offerings and strengthening links with farmer organizations. Moving into 2024, the market maintained strong local and regional demand with relatively stable prices above five-year averages.

Production sorghum in Mali

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Mali consistently ranked 12th globally in sorghum production.

Top producers of sorghum, 2017-2020

World map of production of sorghum, 2017-2020

Mali's sorghum production grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1 823 thousand tonnes of sorghum, marking a 20.6% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 28.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 8.6%.

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

Exports sorghum from Mali

Exports in kind, t

Mali's cross-border sorghum shipments declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume totaled 3.6 tonnes, down 92.0% year-over-year. From 2018 to 2020, exports fell by 98.3%, representing an average annual decline of 74.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Mauritania and Senegal were the primary markets for Mali's sorghum exports in kind. Mauritania accounted for 81.2% of total flows, while Senegal made up 18.8%, together representing 100.0% of exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export volumes varied significantly, with a 63-fold difference between the high in 2018 and the low in 2019. In 2020, Mali's foreign sorghum supplies reached 5.6 thousand US dollars, an 81.0% increase year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 3.1 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 98.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mali's exports in value terms were heavily concentrated on Mauritania, which accounted for 95.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports sorghum to Mali

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Import volumes showed a peak-to-trough amplitude of 147 times between 2018 and 2020. In 2020, Mali's sorghum imports reached 0.4 tonnes, reflecting a sharp decrease of 99.0% year-over-year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 64.1 tonnes, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 68.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania were the leading suppliers of sorghum to Mali in kind. India accounted for 43.7% of imports, Burkina Faso for 30.5%, and Mauritania for 15.6%, together making up 89.7% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import values showed a peak-to-trough ratio of 71 times, with the highest value in 2018 and the lowest in 2020. In 2020, sorghum deliveries to Mali amounted to 0.3 thousand US dollars, constituting a dramatic decrease of 89.2% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 23.9 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 77.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Mauritania, and China were the main suppliers of sorghum to Mali in value terms. India accounted for 59.1% of imports, Mauritania for 19.4%, and China for 12.9%, together comprising 91.4% of total imports in value terms.

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

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