Wheat and meslin flour and cereals market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the wheat and meslin flour and cereals market in Eastern Asia remained relatively stable, with annual volumes hovering around 80 million tons. Production and market size showed only minor fluctuations during this period, indicating a balanced supply and demand situation.

A shift in consumption patterns emerged around 2021, as urbanization led to a gradual decline in per capita wheat consumption, particularly among urban residents. This change in demand structure coincided with a slight market expansion to 80.8 million tons that year, supported by increased domestic production which offset lower import volumes.

The market grew notably to 83.2 million tons in 2023. This increase was primarily driven by adverse weather during the harvest season in major producing regions, which reduced the quality of the new crop and tightened supplies of premium grain. Concurrently, lower international wheat prices encouraged higher imports, adding to overall market volume. Looking ahead, policy measures such as raised minimum purchase prices and state stockpiling continued to support supply, even as demand from flour millers remained subdued.

Production wheat and meslin flour and cereals in Eastern Asia

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

In Eastern Asia, production of wheat and meslin flour and cereals remained relatively stable in 2020, reaching 80 023 K t. The highest production level was achieved in 2018 at 81 045 K t, representing a 1.0% increase from the previous year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest decline of 1.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of wheat and meslin flour and cereals production in Eastern Asia rose by 6.7% year-over-year to 37 627 M $ US in 2020. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 7.2%, averaging 2.3% annually. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 6.7%, while 2019 experienced the biggest decline of 5.9%.

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

Exports wheat and meslin flour and cereals from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Following two consecutive years of growth, exports of wheat and meslin flour and cereals from Eastern Asia declined in 2020. Exports totaled 392.3 K t, marking a significant 23.8% decrease compared to 2019. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 514.7 K t, with the largest increase of 15.5% occurring in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, wheat and meslin flour and cereals from Eastern Asia were exported to numerous countries. Even the top three destinations—Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—collectively accounted for just 17.5% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After rising for two years, the value of wheat and meslin flour and cereals exports from Eastern Asia fell in 2020. Exports amounted to 184.4 M $ US, representing an 18.7% decrease from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 6.7%, averaging 2.2% annually. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 226.8 M $ US, with the largest increase of 22.0% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical distribution of export values was highly diversified. The top three markets—Singapore (6.5%), the United States (4.7%), and Asia, not elsewhere specified (4.1%)—together represented only 15.2% of total export value, with the remaining 84.8% spread across numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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

Imports wheat and meslin flour and cereals to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, imports of wheat and meslin flour and cereals into Eastern Asia decreased in 2020. Imports totaled 470.6 K t, reflecting a substantial 14.1% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 18.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.7%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 547.7 K t, while the largest increase of 21.1% occurred in 2018.

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

During 2017-2020, wheat and meslin flour and cereals were imported into Eastern Asia from many countries. The top three sources—Ukraine, Russia, and Asia, not elsewhere specified—together accounted for only 44.6% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of increase, the value of wheat and meslin flour and cereals imports into Eastern Asia declined in 2020. Imports amounted to 205.3 M $ US, showing a significant 10.6% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 11.8%, averaging 3.8% annually. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 229.7 M $ US, with the largest increase of 13.8% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import value of wheat and meslin flour and cereals into Eastern Asia was distributed across a broad range of partners. The top three sources—Ukraine (17.9%), Russia (9.4%), and Asia, not elsewhere specified (7.1%)—together represented only 34.5% of total import value.

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

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