Wheat gluten market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

The wheat gluten market in Latin America and the Caribbean reached 82 thousand tons in 2018, supported by increased demand for wheat in regional cuisines and processing industries. However, volume fell to 69 thousand tons in 2019 as growing consumer preference for gluten-free wheat flour in Mexico began to limit demand.

Market volume recovered to 73 thousand tons in 2020, driven by rising demand for wheat derivatives for human consumption and animal feed in Brazil. Growth continued in 2021, with volume reaching 76 thousand tons, aided by the entry of new players and innovative technologies in gluten production.

From 2022, the market faced headwinds as international wheat prices surged due to geopolitical and climatic factors, pushing volume down to 66 thousand tons. This decline deepened in 2023 to 60 thousand tons, reinforced by the expanding gluten-free product segment and a consumer shift toward convenience foods and plant-based proteins.

Production wheat gluten in Latin America and the Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of wheat gluten, 2017-2020

World map of production of wheat gluten, 2017-2020

Wheat gluten production in Latin America and the Caribbean increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 10 377 tonnes, marking a substantial 15.7% increase compared to 2019. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 3.7%, which translates to an annualized decline of 1.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 8 228 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year decline of 23.7% also occurring in that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The value of wheat gluten production in Latin America and the Caribbean rose for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 16 163 thousand US dollars, up by 6.1% from 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, however, production value decreased by 10.2%, equating to an annualized rate of decline of 3.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 14 680 thousand US dollars, with the most significant drop of 18.5% also taking place in that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports wheat gluten from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export volumes varied significantly, with a 23-fold difference between the peak in 2017 and the low in 2018. In 2020, wheat gluten exports from Latin America and the Caribbean totaled 318 tonnes, representing a sharp increase of 142.6% compared to the previous year. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 94 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 95.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility over these years. From 2017 to 2018, export values showed a peak-to-trough amplitude of 22 times. In 2020, wheat gluten deliveries from the region reached 0.5 million US dollars, reflecting a significant improvement of 122.5% compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 0.2 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 95.4% also occurring in that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports wheat gluten to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, wheat gluten import volume in Latin America and the Caribbean reached 63 216 tonnes, which is 4.6% higher than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 9.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 3.0%. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 73 938 tonnes, with the largest increase of 27.7% also in 2018. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 18.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for wheat gluten imports in kind were the Netherlands, China, and Belgium. Together, these countries accounted for 64.3% of total import flows during this period.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Wheat gluten imports into Latin America and the Caribbean declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 90.1 million US dollars, representing a strong reduction of 10.3% year-on-year. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 2.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.0%. The maximum import value was recorded in 2018 at 129.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 39.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 22.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017–2020, the Netherlands, China, and Belgium remained the main suppliers of wheat gluten to Latin America and the Caribbean in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 26.4% of imports, China for 22.7%, and Belgium for 14.6%. Together, these three countries formed 63.7% of total import value over this period.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020