Wheat and meslin flour and cereals market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

The market for wheat and meslin flour and cereals in ASEAN grew in physical volume from 12.4 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 15.1 thousand tons in 2021, before contracting to 13.9 thousand tons in 2022 and stabilizing around 13.9 thousand tons in 2023. In value terms, the market expanded consistently, rising from $27.5 billion in 2018 to $43.2 billion in 2023, indicating a significant increase in average prices over the period, particularly after 2021.

A sharp 16% rise in export and import prices for wheat flour across ASEAN in 2022, driven by global agricultural commodity inflation and export restrictions from key supplier nations like Kazakhstan, reduced physical consumption volumes while elevating the market's total value. This price surge was part of broader global supply chain and logistical disruptions affecting availability. Subsequently, in 2023 and 2024, prices stabilized and began a moderate correction, with average export prices from Malaysia falling 6.3%, reflecting adjustments in global production cycles and regional demand.

Production wheat and meslin flour and cereals in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, 2017-2020

World map of production of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, 2017-2020

ASEAN's production of wheat and meslin flour and cereals has grown for the second year in a row. In 2019, output reached 12 224 thousand tons, marking the lowest point in recent years. However, production rebounded strongly in 2020, rising by 11.3% to 14 358 thousand tons. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, when production fell by 13.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

ASEAN's wheat and meslin flour and cereals production has increased in value for the second consecutive year. In 2018, production hit its lowest point at 27 337 million US dollars. By 2020, output had risen to 30 951 million US dollars, representing a modest 7.3% increase from the previous year. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, production grew by 4.2%, averaging 1.4% annually. The sharpest decline was recorded in 2018 at 8.0%.

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

Exports wheat and meslin flour and cereals from ASEAN

Exports in kind, K t

Export volumes showed considerable volatility during the observed period. The lowest point came in 2019 at 197.8 thousand tons, which was 51.9% lower than the previous year. Exports peaked in 2018 at 411.3 thousand tons. By 2020, exports had recovered significantly to 350.8 thousand tons, representing a substantial 77.3% increase from 2019. The gap between the highest and lowest years was 2.1-fold.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, ASEAN's wheat and meslin flour and cereals exports were distributed across numerous partner countries. Hong Kong accounted for 5.8% of export volumes, Papua New Guinea for 5.7%, and Timor-Leste for 4.0%. Together, these three markets represented just 15.5% 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, M $ US

ASEAN's wheat and meslin flour and cereals export value reached its highest point in 2019 at 193.9 million US dollars, marking a 3.9% increase from the previous year. In 2020, export value declined moderately to 183.3 million US dollars, down 5.5% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 5.4%, with an average annual decline of 1.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, ASEAN's wheat and meslin flour and cereals exports reached a diverse range of markets. Hong Kong accounted for 5.7% of export value, Papua New Guinea for 5.2%, and Timor-Leste for 3.8%. Combined, these three destinations represented only 14.7% of total export value, with the remaining 85.3% spread across numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports wheat and meslin flour and cereals to ASEAN

Imports in kind, K t

ASEAN's imports of wheat and meslin flour and cereals have declined for three consecutive years. Between 2017 and 2020, import volumes decreased by 19.8%, averaging a 7.1% annual decline. In 2020, imports stood at 552.8 thousand tons, down 4.6% from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Australia, and the United States were notable suppliers of wheat and meslin flour and cereals to ASEAN, though none dominated the market. Turkey accounted for 12.9% of import volumes, Australia for 11.4%, and the United States for 10.3%. Together, these three countries represented 34.6% of total import volumes.

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, M $ US

ASEAN's import value for wheat and meslin flour and cereals reached its lowest point in 2019 at 258.3 million US dollars, marking a sharp 19.3% decline from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 319.9 million US dollars. In 2020, import value rebounded strongly to 287.5 million US dollars, up 11.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 9.7%, averaging a 3.3% annual decline.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, ASEAN sourced wheat and meslin flour and cereals from a broad range of suppliers in value terms. Turkey accounted for 10.4% of import value, Australia for 8.8%, and the United States for 8.0%. Together, these three countries represented 27.2% 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