Sorghum market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

The sorghum market in South America expanded from 4.9 million tons in 2018 to 5.4 million tons in 2020. This growth was supported by rising international demand, particularly from China, and the adoption of improved agricultural practices such as high-yield hybrids and advanced pest management.

After a slight increase to 5.5 million tons in 2021, market volume contracted to 4.9 million tons in 2022 due to severe droughts in Argentina that reduced harvests. The market rebounded sharply to 6.3 million tons in 2023, driven by expanded planting areas, further technological innovations, and strong export channels to China following the signing of phytosanitary protocols.

In 2024, the market continued to benefit from growing domestic and international demand, with exports reaching 67 countries. The productive chain strengthened amid ongoing market openings and climatic recovery, supporting stable yields.

Production sorghum in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sorghum, 2017-2020

World map of production of sorghum, 2017-2020

Sorghum production in South America has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, South America produced 5 893 K t of sorghum, marking a 6.4% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 3.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 5 115 K t, with the largest decline of 10.2% occurring that same year. In contrast, the largest increase was observed in 2019, with production rising by 8.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Sorghum production in South America has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output of sorghum was valued at 1 141 M $ US in South America, showing an uptick of 11.6% over the past year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 22.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports sorghum from South America

Exports in kind, K t

Sorghum volumes leaving South America have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 488.1 K t, which is 57.1% higher compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 5.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 234.1 K t, with the largest decline of 49.4% occurring that same year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, China, and the United States were consistently the main destinations for sorghum exports in kind. Japan accounted for 47.0% of exports, China for 29.2%, and the United States for 5.9%, together making up 82.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Sorghum deliveries from South America have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports registered 94 537 K $ US, which is 64.8% greater year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 25.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 45 159 K $ US, with the largest decline of 40.2% occurring that same year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, China, and the United States together accounted for 71.5% of total sorghum exports from South America in value terms. Japan represented 37.8% of exports, China 28.9%, and the United States 4.8%, remaining the main destinations during this period.

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

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

Imports sorghum to South America

Imports in kind, K t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports bottomed in 2019 and peaked in 2017, with a 12.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, cross-border shipments of sorghum to South America reached 8.4 K t, showing a modest rise of 5.5% relative to the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 7.9 K t, with the largest decline of 84.4% occurring that same year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States formed the largest share of sorghum imports in kind to South America, accounting for 12.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The volume of sorghum imports to South America declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, South America imported sorghum valued at 36 944 K $ US, equivalent to a decline of 15.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 3.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 36 944 K $ US, with the largest increase of 63.6% occurring that year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 30.4%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the United States and Australia were consistently the main markets for sorghum imports in value terms to South America, together accounting for 26.5% of total flows.

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

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