Sorghum market in Sudan

Earlier Report Observations

Sudan's sorghum market volume showed considerable volatility from 2018 to 2023, beginning with a strong output of 5 435 thousand tons in 2018. This early performance was bolstered by the emergence of new sorghum varieties tailored for both irrigated and low-rainfall zones, alongside sustained research and development efforts by national agricultural bodies. However, production fell sharply over the next two years, dropping to 3 714 thousand tons in 2019 and 3 009 thousand tons in 2020. These declines were primarily linked to the adverse effects of climate changes and unpredictable rainfall patterns, which significantly impaired yields in rainfed cultivation areas and heightened reliance on irrigated projects.

A recovery phase commenced in 2021, with production rising to 3 529 thousand tons. This turnaround was driven by the implementation of new government policies focused on food security, coupled with the entry of new companies into the market that launched high-yield hybrid sorghum varieties to enhance productivity. The upward trend accelerated in 2022, with output surging to 5 248 thousand tons, supported by continued state backing for major irrigation schemes and a noticeable shift in consumer preferences towards locally grown sorghum, which boosted domestic demand.

In 2023, production contracted to 3 055 thousand tons, a downturn associated with global supply chain disruptions that affected the availability of key agricultural inputs. Looking to 2024, ongoing efforts include presidential directives aimed at exceeding local consumption needs, financial support from central and agricultural banks for farmers, and updates to packaging and traceability requirements designed to facilitate sorghum exports and improve market access.

Production sorghum in Sudan

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Sudan ranked 6th globally in sorghum production.

Top producers of sorghum, 2017-2020

World map of production of sorghum, 2017-2020

Sudan's sorghum production declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 3 009 K t of sorghum, marking a 19.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 26.9%, with an average annual decline of 9.9%. The highest production was in 2018 at 5 435 K t, which saw a 32.1% increase. The sharpest drop occurred in 2019, with a 31.7% decrease.

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

Exports sorghum from Sudan

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable trend from 2017 to 2020, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 16 times. In 2020, Sudan's sorghum exports totaled 34.0 K t, a 73.3% decline from the previous year. The largest decrease was in 2018 at 85.7%, while the biggest increase was in 2019 at 65.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Kenya, Djibouti, and Eritrea—collectively accounted for 56.6% of Sudan's total sorghum exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market was volatile during these years. Exports in value terms peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2020, with a 7.1-fold difference. In 2020, Sudan's sorghum exports were valued at 15.0 M $ US, a dramatic 68.8% drop from the previous year. The steepest decline was in 2018 at 74.1%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 75.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kenya (35.3% of exports in value), Ethiopia (14.1%), and Djibouti (10.1%) were the top markets, together making up 59.5% of Sudan's total sorghum export value.

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

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

Imports sorghum to Sudan

Imports in kind, K t

The market experienced volatility from 2017 to 2020. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 104.9 K t, while the lowest was in 2017, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 10.2 times. In 2020, Sudan imported 81.4 K t of sorghum, a 22.4% decrease from the prior year. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 919.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Sudan's sorghum imports in volume were highly concentrated, with the United States accounting for 99.8% of the total.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Sudan's sorghum imports were valued at 17.6 M $ US, a significant 21.7% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 17.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 5.6%. The highest value was in 2018 at 22.5 M $ US, which saw a 50.3% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated Sudan's sorghum imports in value terms, representing 99.7% of the total.

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

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