Sorghum Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends And Forecast (2025 - 2030)

Global Sorghum Market Trends and Insights

Rising Demand for Gluten-free Grain Alternatives

The increasing consumer demand for natural gluten-free products has driven sorghum adoption. Sorghum's high protein content, which is twice that of quinoa when measured by dry weight, has contributed to the sorghum market's expansion. Research shows that 78.6% of consumers approve of sorghum-based functional beverages, demonstrating market acceptance. Major ingredient companies have expanded their ancient grain offerings, allowing bakeries and snack manufacturers to incorporate sorghum flour while maintaining product texture. Academic research confirms that sorghum's dough properties are compatible with commercial bread production, enabling broader market adoption. These factors have established sorghum as a key ingredient in the clean-label market.^{[1]SorghumBase Consortium, “Unlocking the Baking Potential of Sorghum,” sorghumbase.org}

Growing Global Feed Requirements for Poultry and Swine

Feed mills in Asia-Pacific are increasing their use of sorghum after research demonstrated that broilers fed sorghum-based low-protein diets achieve equal or better weight gain compared to wheat-based diets. China used 11 million metric tons of sorghum for feed in 2023, while the Philippines allocated 100,000 hectares for domestic production. Economic analysis in Malaysia indicates a benefit-cost ratio of 1.46 when replacing imported corn with locally grown sorghum, highlighting its cost advantages. The combination of feed efficiency benefits and the crop's heat tolerance drives sustained demand, particularly as meat consumption grows across the region.^{[2]Food and Fertilizer Technology Center for the Asian and Pacific Region, “FFTC Agricultural Policy Platform,” fftc.org.tw}

Expanding Sorghum-based Ethanol Programs

The United States Environmental Protection Agency classifies sorghum ethanol as an advanced biofuel, providing policy credits that improve refinery margins. Sweet sorghum yields 400-800 gallons of ethanol per acre while consuming less water and nitrogen than corn. To meet low-carbon fuel requirements, California has allocated 30,000 acres for sorghum cultivation. Processing facilities, including Pinal Energy, have implemented technical improvements that have reduced fermentation time by 50% and increased ethanol purity to 95%, enhancing plant throughput. The rise of climate-smart agriculture has established sweet sorghum as a key feedstock for sustainable ethanol production.

Climate-resilient Crop for Water-stressed Regions

Field trials demonstrate that sorghum uses water more efficiently than other cereals under deficit irrigation conditions while maintaining yields during droughts. Studies in Ghana show consistent production levels despite rainfall variations, confirming its adaptability in marginal areas. Ethiopian breeding programs have developed drought-resistant varieties that improve food security and income stability for smallholder farmers. Research shows that sorghum's deep roots and waxy leaves enable effective drought resistance. These characteristics have led to increased adoption of sorghum in climate adaptation strategies and farming systems across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Volatile Farm-gate Prices due to Substitution

The interchangeability of corn and sorghum in animal feed allows buyers to switch between the grains based on price differences, causing significant basis fluctuations that affect producer profitability. The grain sorghum basis in Salina, Kansas declined to -85 cents relative to futures in early 2025, a substantial drop from the five-year average of positive 9 cents. The USDA's projected 2025/26 farm-gate price of USD 4.15 per bushel falls below the 16-year average of USD 4.452, encouraging some producers to consider alternative crops. The reduced demand from China and overall export uncertainty have weakened the sorghum basis across central Kansas, increasing revenue risks. These market conditions have diminished the effectiveness of traditional futures and forward contract marketing strategies, leading producers to explore crop insurance options and diversified rotation patterns.^{[3]Kansas Farm Bureau Analysts, “Grain Sorghum and Corn Basis Trends in 2025,” kfb.org}

Trade Policy Volatility and Tariff Risks on Key Export Lanes

International trade disruptions significantly affect sorghum markets, as evidenced by the 95% decline in US sorghum exports to China in early 2025 following US trade policy changes. China's approval of Brazilian sorghum imports indicates a strategic shift to diversify supply sources beyond traditional US suppliers. The broader effects of US tariff policies are transforming global grain trade patterns, with US cereal export share anticipated to decrease from 12% to 9-10% by 2030, according to Miller Magazine. These market disruptions compel producers to pursue alternative sales channels, often at reduced prices, while creating opportunities for competing exporters such as Argentina and Australia to increase their presence in key markets.

Geography Analysis

Asia-Pacific accounts for 43.5% of the sorghum market share in 2024. The region's market leadership stems from substantial livestock feed requirements in China and India, supported by government development programs. According to the ITC Trade Map, China's sorghum imports reached 8.7 million metric tons, valued at USD 2.59 billion in 2024, with the United States and Australia as primary suppliers. Urban markets across the region demonstrate growing demand for sorghum-based food products due to consumer interest in gluten-free and climate-resilient grains. India maintains its position as the region's largest domestic producer, benefiting from traditional dietary consumption patterns and expanded hybrid seed programs. Australia has strengthened its market position through increased exports to Southeast Asian feed manufacturers and biofuel processors.

Africa demonstrates the highest growth rate at 6.8% CAGR, with Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Sudan producing over 16 million metric tons annually. The region's expansion is supported by national breeding programs and food-security initiatives that focus on increasing acreage and improving post-harvest infrastructure. The region's potential for increased production through enhanced agronomic practices could strengthen its position in global supply chains. ICRISAT and national research organizations continue to develop high-yielding, drought-tolerant sorghum varieties suited for smallholder farming.

North America remains the leading sorghum exporter, with the U.S. producing 9.1 million metric tons in 2023 and exporting 80%, mainly from Kansas and Texas. Diversified demand from California’s ethanol sector and Pennsylvania’s bird-seed industry helps reduce export reliance. Improved low-tannin varieties have boosted feed quality and global competitiveness. Europe’s market is growing due to demand for gluten-free and drought-tolerant grains, especially in France and Italy. The Middle East is ramping up imports for feed and biofuel, driven by food security and water-saving policies. In South America, Brazil and Argentina are expanding production for feed and export, supported by hybrid seed research and sustainable farming initiatives.