Wheat gluten market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

The wheat gluten market in South America opened the period at 73 135 metric tons in 2018, supported by expanded wheat cultivation in Brazil which improved domestic wheat quality and stimulated gluten production for baking and industrial uses. However, growing consumer awareness of gluten-related disorders boosted demand for gluten-free alternatives, contributing to a market contraction to 59 748 t in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 initially disrupted supply chains but also heightened focus on health foods; the market recovered to 63 440 t as the industry adapted to new conditions.

Market volume peaked at 69 139 t in 2021, driven by increased wheat production in Brazil and the entry of new players expanding processing capacity. Regulatory adjustments for gluten-free labeling and certification in several South American countries introduced additional compliance steps. From 2022, high volatility in international wheat and gluten prices, coupled with stricter traceability requirements, weighed on trade flows. By 2023, the market had declined to 53 262 t, with domestic production falling to 8 853 t and imports dropping to 44 495 t.

In 2024, import volumes rose to 50 160 t, while new regulations on gluten-free product labeling came into force, and major companies expanded their presence through acquisitions and capacity investments, responding to sustained consumer trends toward plant-based proteins and healthy eating.

Production wheat gluten in South America

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 South America increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, South America produced 10 377 tonnes of wheat gluten, marking a 15.7% improvement from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 3.7%, which equates to an annualized rate of 1.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 8 228 tonnes, representing the largest decline of 23.7% during this period.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports wheat gluten from South America

Exports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports bottomed in 2020 and peaked in 2017, with a 310-fold difference between these years. In 2020, wheat gluten deliveries from South America totalled 7 tonnes, indicating a decline of 77.5% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 98.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 8.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. The lowest export volume was observed in 2020, with the highest in 2017, reflecting a 1 375-fold gap. In 2020, exported wheat gluten volumes from South America amounted to 0.0 million US dollars, representing a 95.0% decrease versus the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 98.6%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 3.6%.

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

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

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

Imports wheat gluten to South America

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, South America imported a total of {value_last_year} tonnes of wheat gluten, representing a 4.5% increase compared with 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 7%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 64 933 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 21.8%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 30.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (28.3% of imports in kind), China (23.3% of imports in kind), and Belgium (14.2% of imports in kind) led the structure of imports in kind, together representing 65.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of wheat gluten to South America declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 75.2 million US dollars, corresponding to a significant drop of 10.8% over the past year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 5.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 114.3 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 26.2%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 44.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (28.1% of imports in value terms), China (22.8% of imports in value terms), and Belgium (14.3% of imports in value terms) formed the main cluster of markets for imports in value terms, with a combined share of 65.2% of total flows.

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

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