Central Asia: Buckwheat Market 2025

Buckwheat Market Size in Central Asia

In 2022, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in the Central Asian buckwheat market, when its value decreased by -7.1% to $X. Over the period under review, consumption showed a mild decrease. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Buckwheat Production in Central Asia

In value terms, buckwheat production totaled $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production continues to indicate a pronounced curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 105%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

The country with the largest volume of buckwheat production was Kazakhstan (X tons), accounting for 99% of total volume.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in Kazakhstan stood at +2.1%.

The average buckwheat yield shrank to X kg per ha in 2022, falling by -6.9% compared with 2021. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the yield increased by 62% against the previous year. As a result, the yield reached the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of the buckwheat yield remained at a somewhat lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The buckwheat harvested area declined notably to X ha in 2022, waning by -18.5% against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, the harvested area recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 58% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to buckwheat production attained the peak figure at X ha in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Buckwheat Exports

Exports in Central Asia

In 2022, overseas shipments of buckwheat decreased by -18.2% to X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Over the period under review, exports, however, recorded significant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when exports increased by 2,328%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2021, and then shrank rapidly in the following year.

In value terms, buckwheat exports shrank notably to $X in 2022. In general, exports, however, posted significant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 924%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2021, and then declined rapidly in the following year.

Exports by Country

In 2022, Kazakhstan (X tons) represented the main exporter of buckwheat in Central Asia, committing 100% of total export.

Kazakhstan was also the fastest-growing in terms of the buckwheat exports, with a CAGR of +28.0% from 2012 to 2022. While the share of Kazakhstan (+6.9 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Kazakhstan ($X) also remains the largest buckwheat supplier in Central Asia.

In Kazakhstan, buckwheat exports increased at an average annual rate of +33.5% over the period from 2012-2022.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Central Asia stood at $X per ton in 2022, remaining constant against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price enjoyed noticeable growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 an increase of 67%. The level of export peaked in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for Kazakhstan.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Kazakhstan amounted to +4.3% per year.

Buckwheat Imports

Imports in Central Asia

In 2022, buckwheat imports in Central Asia skyrocketed to X tons, with an increase of 89% compared with 2021. Overall, imports showed buoyant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 173% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, buckwheat imports soared to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports recorded strong growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when imports increased by 155%. The level of import peaked in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

Kazakhstan represented the major importing country with an import of about X tons, which finished at 82% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Kyrgyzstan (X tons), mixing up a 13% share of total imports. Mongolia (X tons) took a minor share of total imports.

Kazakhstan was also the fastest-growing in terms of the buckwheat imports, with a CAGR of +20.1% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Kyrgyzstan (+7.0%) displayed positive paces of growth. By contrast, Mongolia (-1.9%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Kazakhstan (+30 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan saw its share reduced by -11.6% and -13.1% from 2012 to 2022, respectively.

In value terms, Kazakhstan ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported buckwheat in Central Asia, comprising 64% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Kyrgyzstan ($X), with a 31% share of total imports.

In Kazakhstan, buckwheat imports increased at an average annual rate of +14.0% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Kyrgyzstan (+21.1% per year) and Mongolia (+1.5% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Central Asia amounted to $X per ton, increasing by 23% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the import price increased by 37% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Kyrgyzstan ($X per ton), while Kazakhstan ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kyrgyzstan (+13.1%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :