Chia seed consumption is rising globally, with demand spiking as markets recover post-COVID-19. However, the 2024 crop faces several challenges, particularly in South America, where weather and logistical issues are impacting production and exports.
In this report, we’ll explore the current state of the chia seed market. Including key production trends, the impact of weather on yields, and what’s driving the price changes. We’ll also look at what this means for both producers and buyers.
2024 Chia Seed Production in Paraguay: Global Leader
Paraguay continues to lead the world as the top producer and exporter of chia seeds, dominating the global market with its high-volume production and consistent quality. The United States, along with major European markets like Germany and the Netherlands, continues to be the primary destination for Paraguayan chia. Impressively, Paraguay exports chia seeds to 76 countries worldwide.
Production and Export Trends of Chia in Paraguay
According to the Paraguayan Chamber of Sesame Exporters (Capexse), chia cultivation in the country has ranged between 60 000 and 80 000 hectares annually. Early forecasts for the 2024 harvest projected record-high production volumes, driven by an increase in the planted area.
In 2024, Paraguay exported 69 640 tons of chia seeds, 41.05% increase compared to 2023. Historically, December is a key month for chia exporters, accounting for around 15 000 tons being exported in that month alone. However, despite promising expectations, the year proved to be challenging for Paraguayan farmers due to a severe drought that affected the country in 2024.
Yields have fallen below the 10-year average of 536 kg per hectare (data from 2012-2021). This has led to reduced supply and price increases for both conventional and organic chia seeds. Many producers reported yield of 300-400 kg per ha from 2024 crop. Although, there is no official data yet provided to know exact yield from 2024 crop.
Logistics Challenges Add To Market Pressure
The drought’s impact extended beyond yields, causing historically low water levels in the Paraguay River—a critical transport route for chia shipments to Buenos Aires and Montevideo. These logistical disruptions significantly increased transit times to Europe and the United States during the second half of 2024, further straining global availability.
Despite facing one of its toughest years due to adverse weather and logistical challenges, Paraguay has demonstrated resilience in maintaining its leadership in the global chia seed market. With rising demand and tight supply, 2024 has highlighted the critical role Paraguay plays in the global supply chain for chia seeds.
Bolivia’s Role in the Global Chia Seed Market
Bolivia remains a key player in the global chia seed market, ranking as the second-largest producer, with an annual output of approximately 12 000 tons. The country primarily exports chia seeds to Mexico, Germany, and the United States.
2024: A Challenging Year for Bolivian Chia Farmers
The 2024 harvest has been disappointing for Bolivian farmers, with both yields and quality falling below expectations. The country initially projected a production of approximately 20 000 tons for the 2024/2025 season, thanks to an increased planted area.
However, severe droughts have significantly reduced the final output. While we are still awaiting the final production figures for 2024, early reports indicate that exports in the first nine months of 2024 totaled 6,718 tons, 645 tons lower than the 7 363 tons exported during the same period in 2023.
Much like Paraguay, in 2024 Bolivia faced one of the worst droughts in 30 years, which significantly reduced output. Data from the Association of Oilseed and Wheat Producers (ANAPO) indicate that the country produced 50% less oilseeds in 2024 compared to 2023, primarily due to drought.
Looking Ahead: Expansion Plans and Challenges
Despite setbacks, Bolivia is committed to boosting chia production. The agricultural ministry has outlined plans to expand cultivation in 2025, aiming to recover and increase output. Recent trade agreements with China to export an additional 9 000 tons annually. These are expected to strengthen bilateral ties and support these expansion efforts.
However, logistics remain a major challenge for Bolivia’s chia industry. The country’s less-developed infrastructure compared to Paraguay leads to higher transportation costs and delays, complicating exports and limiting competitiveness.
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The Largest Importers of Chia Seeds: A Global Overview
Chia seed consumption is growing globally, with the largest markets in North America, Europe, and Asia. Global demand for chia seeds is estimated to be between 80 000 and 100 000 tons annually, driven by the increasing popularity of chia.
United States remains the largest importer of chia seeds, with imports between 20 000 and 25 000 tons annually. This is largely due to the booming health food sector, where chia seeds are used in a wide range of products.
In Europe, Germany and the Netherlands dominate imports, supported by strong consumer interest in both organic and conventional chia. Other countries, such as the UK, Spain, Italy, and Poland, also show rising demand, focusing mainly on conventional chia.
China is another major importer, purchasing around 9 000 tons annually. Turkey and the UAE also rank among the top 10 importers, further highlighting the global appeal of chia seeds.
The Organic Chia Seed Market: Scarcity and Challenges
Organic chia production in South America is facing significant challenges. Pesticide residues, heavy metals—particularly high copper levels—and phosphonic acid have caused many non-compliance with strict EU regulations, limiting their exports to Europe.
These strict regulations are prompting many South American exporters to shift their focus to conventional chia. Ones that have fewer regulatory barriers, and to alternative export markets like the US and Asia, where regulations are less restrictive.
Paraguay, the region’s leading producer, is struggling in 2024 to meet pesticide limits, creating uncertainty around available stocks. Similar supply issues persist in Bolivia and Argentina, where stocks are nearly gone. This scarcity has driven organic chia prices higher in recent weeks, with six months remaining before the next harvest.
Chia Seed Market Summary
The chia seed market in 2024 continues to be dominated by South American producers. Producers from Paraguay, Bolivia or Argentina account for nearly 80% of global production. Despite challenges such as droughts and lower yields from the 2024 crop. Export market remains stable, with good demand from USA, Europe, and Asian markets.
Paraguay has experienced a very strong year, exporting record quantities in 2024. Likely a sign of the market picking up after sluggish post-COVID years. While Bolivia faced a poor harvest, the country is focused on increasing its production in 2025. Argentina is also seizing export opportunities, benefiting from its logistical advantages over Bolivia or Paraguay.
Although conventional chia sales are rising and the market is flowing smoothly, there are concerns that organic supplies may remain limited in 2025. The shortage of suitable quantities of organic chia from the 2024 crop could push prices even higher. A key issue continues to be logistics from Paraguay and Bolivia, where transit times often exceed 60 days. As a result, those holding chia stocks in Europe or US are in a strong position this season.
Source:
- “Chía en Paraguay: rubro genera ingresos por USD 125 millones” available at: https://www.lanacion.com.py/negocios_edicion_impresa/2024/07/05/chia-en-paraguay-rubro-genera-ingresos-por-usd-125-millones/ (accessed on January 22, 2025).
- “Paraguay buscará seguir siendo el mayor exportador de chía del mundo” available at:
https://www.forbes.com.py/macroeconomia/76-mercados-conquistados-paraguay-buscara-seguir-siendo-mayor-exportador-chia-mundo-n65677 (accessed on January 22, 2025). - “A septiembre, Bolivia exportó chía por $us 15 millones, 22% menos que en 2023” available at:
https://www.la-razon.com/economia/2024/12/19/a-septiembre-bolivia-exporto-chia-por-us-15-millones-22-menos-que-en-2023/ (accessed on January 22, 2025). - “The European market potential for chia seeds” at: https://www.cbi.eu/market-information/grains-pulses-oilseeds/chia-seeds/market-potential (accessed on January 22, 2025).
