Sorghum market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The sorghum market in the MENA region showed steady growth at the start of the period, with market volume increasing from 1 254 thousand metric tons in 2018 to 1 329 thousand metric tons in 2019. This expansion took place alongside the establishment of the state-owned investment company SVC in Saudi Arabia, which began funding small and medium-sized enterprises, and the rapid growth of e-commerce in the region, improving market access for agricultural products.

Following a period of stabilization around 1 330 thousand metric tons in 2020-2021, the market surged sharply in 2022, reaching 1 729 thousand metric tons—a 30% jump from the previous year. Sorghum production also rose significantly to 1 610 thousand metric tons. This spike coincided with record venture capital activity in the UAE's technology sector and increased investment in digital technologies, which stimulated broader economic demand.

In 2023, the market contracted by 12% to 1 514 thousand metric tons, while production fell to 1 436 thousand metric tons. The telecommunications and technology market in Saudi Arabia continued to expand during this time, and sorghum imports declined, reflecting shifts in supply patterns.

Production sorghum in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sorghum, 2017-2020

World map of production of sorghum, 2017-2020

Sorghum production in the MENA region grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 1 242 K t of sorghum, which was 5.2% higher than in 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 4.9%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 173 K t, with the largest decline that year at 1.0%.

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

Exports sorghum from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. The lowest export volume was in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2020, showing an 8.9-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, sorghum exports from MENA reached 5.1 K t, a dramatic increase of 579.7% compared to 2019. The largest decline was in 2019 at 83.8%, whereas the biggest surge happened in 2018 with a 708.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Malaysia, and the Netherlands were the key markets for sorghum exports in kind. Turkey accounted for 36.3% of exports, Malaysia for 14.7%, and the Netherlands for 1.5%, collectively representing 52.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. The lowest export value was in 2017, while the highest was in 2020, with an 8.1-fold gap between them. In 2020, MENA's sorghum exports amounted to 1 497 K $ US, marking a substantial increase of 389.8% from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 71.0%, and the biggest rise was in 2018 with a 470.2% jump.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner structure for exports in value terms was relatively balanced rather than concentrated. Turkey contributed 27.7% of exports, Malaysia 12.4%, and Nigeria 1.5%, together making up 41.6% of total flows. The remaining 58.4% was distributed among many other countries.

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

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

Imports sorghum to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

The market displayed volatility over the observed period. Import volumes hit their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2017, with a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, sorghum imports into MENA totaled 89.8 K t, reflecting a sharp decrease of 39.8% from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 85.6 K t. The largest decline was in 2018 at 53.4%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2019 with a 74.4% rise.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States, Sudan, and India were the primary sources for sorghum imports in kind, collectively accounting for 74.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, sorghum deliveries to MENA amounted to 21 114 K $ US, indicating a sharp decline of 34.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 38.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -14.9%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 35.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Sudan, and India were the main destinations for sorghum imports in value terms. The United States represented 34.1% of imports, Sudan 21.8%, and India 13.0%, together accounting for 68.9% of total import value.

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

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