Free of charge

Quinoa: disappointing yields in Peru

June 12, 2025 at 3:51 PM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

LIMA/SUCRE. Contrary to expectations, the result of the Peruvian crop was sobering. This is also driving up prices in Bolivia. On the Indian market, however, prices have fallen in recent weeks.

High prices despite new crop

The Peruvian quinoa crop cannot keep up with expectations. While the prospects during the flowering period were promising, it became apparent during the harvesting process that yields were comparatively low. In addition, the harvest was delayed by around two months compared to the usual period, according to the experts at Chelmer Foods in their latest report. Market players are therefore not ruling out the possibility of short-term supply bottlenecks and price increases, while demand is high at the start of the season. In addition, there are hurdles to exporting organic quinoa to the European market due to the current restrictions on phosphonic acid and fosetyl aluminium residues.

In contrast to the results of the Peruvian crop, market players are satisfied with the yields in Bolivia. However, the sobering crop in the neighbouring growing country is causing a shift in demand, which has catapulted prices in Bolivia upwards. Price volatility is also fuelled by exchange rate fluctuations, according to Chelmer Foods. The price trend is therefore in stark contrast to the usual reductions at the start of a new season.

Meanwhile, diesel shortages are causing delays in the harvest and transport process, while political uncertainty in view of the upcoming elections is creating a tense atmosphere. Road closures, for example, could lead to delays in domestic deliveries.

In contrast to price trends in South America, prices on the Indian market have fallen in recent weeks. Currently, sortex-cleaned quinoa is being offered for USD 654/mt FOB India, while prices around a month ago were still at USD 675-695/mt FOB, depending on the supplier.   

Peru and Bolivia remain top suppliers

EU imports in the period from 1 July 2024 to 8 June 2025 are almost 47.8% higher than in the same period last year. Peru is the most important supplier here with 10,277 mt and an increase of almost 42%, closely followed by Bolivia, which increased its shipments to the EU by almost 35.8% to 10,254 mt. India, whose exports to the EU nevertheless achieved a massive increase of 650.3% to 1,283 mt, was well behind in third place. The most important buyer countries in the EU during this period were Germany (+25.8% to 5,260 mt), the Netherlands (+49.1% to 4,070 mt) and Spain (+98.7% to 3,140 mt). The import value of the 2024/25 season to date amounts to EUR 58.129 million, compared to EUR 35.763 million in the same period of the previous year.

EU quinoa imports, in mt

Partner

2023/24

2024/25

Diff.

Peru

7,244

10,277

41.9%

Bolivia

7,549

10,254

35.8%

India

171

1,283

650.3%

Morocco

0,002

294

14,699.900.0%

New Zealand

0,880

117

13195.5%

Others

305

349

14.4%

Total

15,270

22,574

47.8%

DG AGRI TAXUD Customs Surveillance System, 01/07-08/06

10085000 Quinoa, “Chenopodium, quinoa”

View more
price charts for dried fruit, oilseeds, spices and more

 

Categories:

View related articles

Go to the News Overview
Grains
Jul 25, 2025
BRUSSELS. Excessive rains in Europe pose a risk for wheat. The US trade deal with Japan should boost US corn and soybean exports. Competition is turning fierce for Canada’s canola suppliers.
Grains
Jul 2, 2025
KYIV/DALIAN. Millet cultivation in Ukraine is declining this year. The crop in China is expected to be sufficient to meet demand on the Chinese market.
Grains
Jul 2, 2025
KYIV/DALIAN. EU countries have increased their buckwheat imports by 22% this season. A smaller crop is expected in Ukraine in 2025.
Grains
Jun 20, 2025
BRUSSELS. Analysts have issued new production estimates for wheat in the EU and in Turkey. Harvesting is slow for corn in Brazil. The tensions in the Middle East over Iran and Israel are lingering in the background for soy and rapeseed.