Introduction
Buckwheat is a popular gluten-free grain that has gained significant popularity in recent years due to its nutritional benefits and versatility in cooking. As a result, the global demand for buckwheat has been on the rise, leading to an increase in the import and export of this versatile grain. In this report, we will explore the top 10 buckwheat importing countries in the world in 2025, analyzing their import volumes, trends, and key players in the market.
1. China
Import Volume
China is the world’s largest importer of buckwheat, with a significant portion of its imports used for food processing and consumption. In 2025, China imported over 500,000 metric tons of buckwheat, representing a steady increase in demand for this nutritious grain.
Industry Insights
The buckwheat industry in China is dominated by several key players, including food processing companies, wholesalers, and retailers. These companies play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for buckwheat in the Chinese market.
2. Japan
Import Volume
Japan is another major importer of buckwheat, importing over 300,000 metric tons of buckwheat in 2025. The demand for buckwheat in Japan is driven by its use in traditional dishes such as soba noodles and buckwheat pancakes.
Industry Insights
The buckwheat industry in Japan is characterized by a strong focus on quality and authenticity, with many companies specializing in the production and distribution of traditional buckwheat products. These companies play a key role in meeting the unique dietary preferences of Japanese consumers.
3. Russia
Import Volume
Russia is a significant importer of buckwheat, with import volumes reaching over 200,000 metric tons in 2025. The demand for buckwheat in Russia is driven by its use in traditional Russian dishes such as kasha and buckwheat porridge.
Industry Insights
The buckwheat industry in Russia is characterized by a high level of domestic production, with many local farmers growing buckwheat to meet the demand for this nutritious grain. In addition to domestic production, Russia also imports buckwheat from other countries to supplement its supply.
4. United States
Import Volume
The United States is a significant importer of buckwheat, with import volumes exceeding 150,000 metric tons in 2025. The demand for buckwheat in the United States is driven by its use in a variety of food products, including breakfast cereals, baking mixes, and gluten-free flour.
Industry Insights
The buckwheat industry in the United States is characterized by a diverse range of companies, including food manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. These companies play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for buckwheat in the US market.
5. Germany
Import Volume
Germany is a significant importer of buckwheat, with import volumes reaching over 100,000 metric tons in 2025. The demand for buckwheat in Germany is driven by its use in a variety of food products, including buckwheat flour, bread, and pancakes.
Industry Insights
The buckwheat industry in Germany is characterized by a strong focus on organic and gluten-free products, with many companies specializing in the production and distribution of high-quality buckwheat products. These companies play a key role in meeting the unique dietary preferences of German consumers.
6. France
Import Volume
France is a significant importer of buckwheat, with import volumes exceeding 80,000 metric tons in 2025. The demand for buckwheat in France is driven by its use in traditional French dishes such as galettes and buckwheat crepes.
Industry Insights
The buckwheat industry in France is characterized by a strong emphasis on quality and authenticity, with many companies specializing in the production and distribution of traditional buckwheat products. These companies play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for buckwheat in the French market.
7. South Korea
Import Volume
South Korea is a significant importer of buckwheat, with import volumes reaching over 70,000 metric tons in 2025. The demand for buckwheat in South Korea is driven by its use in traditional Korean dishes such as buckwheat noodles and buckwheat tea.
Industry Insights
The buckwheat industry in South Korea is characterized by a strong focus on health and wellness, with many companies specializing in the production and distribution of organic and gluten-free buckwheat products. These companies play a key role in meeting the unique dietary preferences of Korean consumers.
8. Poland
Import Volume
Poland is a significant importer of buckwheat, with import volumes exceeding 50,000 metric tons in 2025. The demand for buckwheat in Poland is driven by its use in traditional Polish dishes such as kasha and buckwheat groats.
Industry Insights
The buckwheat industry in Poland is characterized by a high level of domestic production, with many local farmers growing buckwheat to meet the demand for this nutritious grain. In addition to domestic production, Poland also imports buckwheat from other countries to supplement its supply.
9. Canada
Import Volume
Canada is a significant importer of buckwheat, with import volumes reaching over 40,000 metric tons in 2025. The demand for buckwheat in Canada is driven by its use in a variety of food products, including buckwheat flour, breakfast cereals, and snack bars.
Industry Insights
The buckwheat industry in Canada is characterized by a diverse range of companies, including food manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. These companies play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for buckwheat in the Canadian market.
10. Netherlands
Import Volume
The Netherlands is a significant importer of buckwheat, with import volumes exceeding 30,000 metric tons in 2025. The demand for buckwheat in the Netherlands is driven by its use in a variety of food products, including buckwheat pancakes, bread, and pasta.
Industry Insights
The buckwheat industry in the Netherlands is characterized by a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, with many companies specializing in the production and distribution of eco-friendly buckwheat products. These companies play a key role in meeting the unique dietary preferences of Dutch consumers.
In conclusion, the global demand for buckwheat continues to rise, leading to increased import volumes in countries around the world. The top 10 buckwheat importing countries in 2025 are driven by a variety of factors, including traditional dietary preferences, health and wellness trends, and the versatility of buckwheat in cooking. As the popularity of buckwheat continues to grow, it is expected that import volumes will continue to increase in the coming years.
