China: Buckwheat Market 2025

Buckwheat Market Size in China

In 2022, the Chinese buckwheat market increased by 0.5% to $X, rising for the fourth consecutive year after two years of decline. Over the period under review, consumption continues to indicate a mild contraction. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Buckwheat Production in China

In value terms, buckwheat production stood at $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, recorded a mild downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 21%. Buckwheat production peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of buckwheat in China contracted modestly to X kg per ha in 2022, approximately mirroring the year before. In general, the yield saw a mild setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 9.1%. The buckwheat yield peaked at X kg per ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the buckwheat harvested area in China was estimated at X ha, therefore, remained relatively stable against 2021. Over the period under review, the harvested area, however, showed a slight decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 17% against the previous year. The buckwheat harvested area peaked at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Buckwheat Exports

Exports from China

In 2022, overseas shipments of buckwheat increased by 12% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year declining trend. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, buckwheat exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, recorded a drastic downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 48%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Japan (X tons) was the main destination for buckwheat exports from China, accounting for a 78% share of total exports. Moreover, buckwheat exports to Japan exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, South Korea (X tons), fivefold. The third position in this ranking was held by France (X tons), with a 3.4% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Japan totaled -15.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: South Korea (-4.5% per year) and France (-23.5% per year).

In value terms, Japan ($X) remains the key foreign market for buckwheat exports from China, comprising 74% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by South Korea ($X), with a 16% share of total exports. It was followed by France, with a 3.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Japan stood at -10.7%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: South Korea (+2.2% per year) and France (-18.7% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average buckwheat export price amounted to $X per ton, growing by 5.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated a remarkable increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +5.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, buckwheat export price increased by +85.3% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 36% against the previous year. The export price peaked in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major foreign markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Japan ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the United States (+12.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Buckwheat Imports

Imports into China

In 2022, the amount of buckwheat imported into China dropped rapidly to X tons, reducing by -40.4% compared with 2021. In general, imports, however, enjoyed a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when imports increased by 4,681,840%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, buckwheat imports shrank sharply to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed a significant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 2,781,000%. Imports peaked at $X in 2021, and then shrank significantly in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Russia (X tons) was the main supplier of buckwheat to China, accounting for a approx. 100% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Russia stood at +37.5%.

In value terms, Russia ($X) constituted the largest supplier of buckwheat to China.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Russia stood at +41.8%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average buckwheat import price amounted to $X per ton, waning by -2.1% against the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a noticeable reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average import price increased by 58%. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for Russia.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Russia amounted to +3.2% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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