Introduction

The global sorghum export market plays a pivotal role in ensuring that this essential cereal reaches markets around the world. As demand for sorghum increases—primarily for use as animal feed, biofuels, and in food products—major export companies are driving the global supply chain. These companies not only handle the production and trade of sorghum but also manage the complexities of international logistics, transportation, and distribution. This report examines the top 10 sorghum export companies globally and their contributions to the sorghum trade.

1. Cargill – The Global Leader in Sorghum Exports

Export Volume: Approximately 2 million metric tons
Cargill is the world’s largest player in the sorghum export market, with a significant share of global trade. The company operates in multiple regions, including the United States, Argentina, and Australia, where it sources, processes, and exports sorghum. Cargill supplies sorghum primarily to countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, focusing on animal feed, biofuel production, and human consumption.

Global Market Share: 20% of global sorghum exports.
Cargill’s extensive supply chain and global presence make it a dominant force in the sorghum export market.

2. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) – A Key Exporter of Sorghum

Export Volume: Approximately 1.5 million metric tons
Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is a leading global player in the agribusiness sector and a major exporter of sorghum. ADM’s operations span the United States, where it sources the majority of its sorghum exports. The company exports sorghum primarily to Asian countries like China and Japan, and increasingly to markets in Europe and Africa. Sorghum from ADM is mainly used for animal feed and biofuels.

Global Market Share: 15% of global sorghum exports.
ADM’s ability to manage large-scale operations and its strategic global logistics network ensure its dominant role in sorghum exports.

3. COFCO Corporation – China’s Leading Sorghum Exporter

Export Volume: Approximately 1.2 million metric tons
COFCO is one of China’s largest state-owned food processing companies and a major exporter of sorghum. The company imports sorghum to meet China’s growing demand for animal feed, particularly for its booming poultry industry. COFCO also exports sorghum to other countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Its supply chain covers sourcing, processing, and transportation.

Global Market Share: 12% of global sorghum exports.
COFCO plays a critical role in both the import and export of sorghum, with a strategic focus on strengthening trade ties with countries in the sorghum-producing regions.

4. Bunge Limited – A Prominent Player in the Sorghum Export Market

Export Volume: Approximately 1 million metric tons
Bunge is a significant global exporter of sorghum, with operations in North America, South America, and Asia. The company sources sorghum from countries like the United States and Argentina and exports it primarily to Asia and Africa. Sorghum from Bunge is used for animal feed, biofuels, and food products.

Global Market Share: 10% of global sorghum exports.
Bunge’s integrated network of operations and export capabilities make it a key player in the global sorghum market.

5. Olam International – A Rising Star in Sorghum Exports

Export Volume: Approximately 0.8 million metric tons
Olam International, based in Singapore, is a growing exporter of sorghum, particularly in the African and Middle Eastern markets. The company sources sorghum from key regions like the U.S. and Argentina and exports it to countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Olam is expanding its presence in the sorghum market as demand for animal feed continues to rise globally.

Global Market Share: 8% of global sorghum exports.
Olam’s growing market share reflects its success in expanding its export network and meeting the rising demand for sorghum in emerging markets.

6. Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) – A Major Exporter in the Sorghum Trade

Export Volume: Approximately 0.6 million metric tons
Louis Dreyfus Company is one of the world’s leading traders of agricultural commodities, including sorghum. Based in the Netherlands, LDC has a significant presence in the sorghum export market, particularly in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The company exports sorghum sourced from the U.S., Argentina, and Australia.

Global Market Share: 6% of global sorghum exports.
LDC’s well-established global network and logistical capabilities allow it to maintain a strong position in the sorghum export market.

7. CHS Inc. – A Key Exporter from North America

Export Volume: Approximately 0.5 million metric tons
CHS Inc., based in the United States, is a major exporter of sorghum, particularly to countries in Asia and the Middle East. The company is heavily involved in the agricultural and energy sectors, exporting sorghum for use in animal feed and biofuels. CHS exports sorghum sourced primarily from the U.S. and Canada.

Global Market Share: 5% of global sorghum exports.
CHS’s expertise in grain handling and logistics, combined with its extensive export network, makes it a key exporter in the sorghum trade.

8. GrainCorp – Expanding Sorghum Exporter from Australia

Export Volume: Approximately 0.4 million metric tons
GrainCorp is one of the largest agribusiness companies in Australia and a significant exporter of sorghum. The company sources sorghum from Australia’s eastern states, where the grain is used mainly for animal feed. GrainCorp exports sorghum to markets in Asia and the Middle East.

Global Market Share: 4% of global sorghum exports.
GrainCorp’s expanding export network and strategic presence in the Asia-Pacific region ensure its growing role in the global sorghum export market.

9. Mercuria – A Growing Player in Global Sorghum Exports

Export Volume: Approximately 0.3 million metric tons
Mercuria is a global energy and commodities trading company that is becoming increasingly involved in the export of agricultural products, including sorghum. The company sources sorghum from countries in North and South America and exports it to international markets.

Global Market Share: 3% of global sorghum exports.
Mercuria’s expansion into agricultural commodities, including sorghum, positions it as a rising player in the export market.

10. ADM (Agribusiness Division) – Strong Presence in Sorghum Exports

Export Volume: Approximately 0.2 million metric tons
ADM’s agribusiness division plays a strong role in the global sorghum export market, sourcing sorghum from the U.S. and exporting it primarily to Asia. ADM’s extensive infrastructure for grain handling, transportation, and processing positions it as an important player in the global sorghum trade.

Global Market Share: 2% of global sorghum exports.
ADM’s expertise in grain export logistics and trading ensures its continued presence in the sorghum export market.

Conclusion

The top 10 sorghum export companies, including Cargill, ADM, COFCO, and Bunge, dominate the global sorghum trade. These companies play a pivotal role in meeting the growing demand for sorghum, particularly for animal feed and biofuels. As international demand for sorghum continues to rise, these companies will remain central to ensuring the efficient flow of this vital grain across global markets.