Wheat and meslin flour and cereals market in Yemen

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for wheat and meslin flour and cereals in Yemen remained stable at around 2.7 million tons, despite rising prices for local wheat due to increased production costs and erratic rainfall. By 2020, the market grew to over 3 million tons, driven by a sharp rise in imports that offset declining domestic production caused by persistent drought, alongside government-imposed price ceilings on wheat and flour to curb inflation.

In 2021-2022, the market continued a slow expansion, reaching 3.1 million tons. This growth occurred against a backdrop of rising global wheat flour prices, which increased import costs, and a government ban on imports of white flour through Hodeidah port aimed at stimulating local production. The ban contributed to an increase in domestic output, supporting overall market volume.

In 2023, the market volume contracted sharply to 2.2 million tons. This decline resulted from several factors: wheat production fell to less than half its historical average, logistical difficulties at Hodeidah and Aden ports constrained supply chains, and a spike in global wheat prices following the collapse of the Black Sea grain deal further reduced imports.

Production wheat and meslin flour and cereals in Yemen

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

Wheat and meslin flour and cereals production in Yemen declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 2 466 K t, representing a slight decrease of 1.8% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 2.4%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 0.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2 679 K t, marking a 6.0% increase from the previous year. However, the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 6.3%.

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

Exports wheat and meslin flour and cereals from Yemen

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export volumes varied significantly, with a 414-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2019. In 2020, wheat and meslin flour and cereals shipments from Yemen to abroad totaled 10.0 K t, marking a dramatic decrease of 89.8% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 97.9 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a surge of 26 259.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Egypt accounted for 75.8% of total exports in kind, with the remaining volume distributed among many countries, each holding smaller individual shares.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export volumes climbed to their maximum in 2019 and dropped to a minimum in 2017, showing a 351-fold shift. In 2020, wheat and meslin flour and cereals shipments from Yemen to abroad totaled 3.6 M $ US, constituting a decline of 84.1% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 22.9 M $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 15 792.1%.

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

Over 2017–2020, Egypt (58.7% of exports in value terms), Turkey (18.0% of exports in value terms), and Sudan (12.0% of exports in value terms) stood out as the main markets for exports in value terms, together representing 88.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports wheat and meslin flour and cereals to Yemen

Imports in kind, K t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Import volumes peaked in 2020 and bottomed out in 2018, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 4.5 times. In 2020, Yemen imported 564.9 K t of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, constituting an uptick of 74.0% compared with 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 125.5 K t, with the largest decline of 18.7% occurring that year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a jump of 158.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Turkey (40.7% of imports in kind), Egypt (29.7% of imports in kind), and Oman (24.5% of imports in kind) remained the key partners in imports in kind, together accounting for 95.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The highest import value was recorded in 2020, while the lowest occurred in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 4.5 times. In 2020, wheat and meslin flour and cereals shipments to Yemen from abroad stood at 185.2 M $ US, up by 46.0% over the past year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 41.3 M $ US, with the largest decline of 26.3% occurring that year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a rise of 206.9%.

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

In 2017–2020, Turkey (37.9% of imports in value terms), Egypt (32.9% of imports in value terms), and Oman (24.3% of imports in value terms) consistently remained the main destinations for imports in value terms, together accounting for 95.1% of total flows.

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

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