• Analysis and Studies
• Oats: import and export

Oats are a nutritious and versatile cereal grain that has become a staple in many diets around the world. Commonly consumed as oatmeal, granola, and oat milk, they are particularly popular among health-conscious individuals due to their high fiber content and essential vitamins: in fact, they help lower cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, promote healthy digestion, support nerve function, and boost the immune system.

There are many different species of wild oats, but only four are cultivated: Avena sativa, the most commonly cultivated species, is typically found on grocery store shelves, whereas Avena byzantina and Avena strigosa are mainly grown for animal feed and fodder. Avena abyssinia, which is only partially domesticated, is exclusively grown in and around Ethiopia.

In 2022, oats were the world's 1984th most traded product, with a total trade of $1.2B. Between 2021 and 2022 the exports of Oats grew by 14.1%, from $1.05B to $1.2B.

In 2022 the country which exported oats the most was Canada with a trade of $464M, ahead of Australia ($182M), United Kingdom ($78.2M), Sweden ($76.9M), and Finland ($64M). Whereas the major importer was the United States with a trade of $483M, followed by Germany ($131M), China ($113M), Netherlands ($76.9M), and Spain ($57.6M).

 This graphic shows that Canada's market is heavily dependent on the United States, making it vulnerable to disruptions in trade relations. In contrast, Australia's more diversified market offers more stability.

The reliance of European countries on intra-continental ties highlights the advantages of the European Union's single market, while also indicating potential risks from regional market fluctuations.

1. Canada (38.5%): 95.4% United States, 1.38% China, 1.14% Japan
2. Australia (15.1%): 44.3% China, 20.4% Mexico, 10.3% India, 8.82% Japan,6.13% United Arab Emirates
3. United Kingdom (6.5%): 26.1% Spain, 23.8% Netherlands, 17.7% Belgium, 16.1% Germany, 3.17% Finland, 0.71% Japan, 0.64% United Arab Emirates, 0.38% United States, 0.31% China
4. Sweden (6.39%): 27.9% Germany, 24.6% United States, 21.6% Spain, 12.8% Belgium, 5.38% Denmark, 1.1% Netherlands
5. Finland (5.32%): 59.7% Germany, 16.1% Belgium, 16.1% United States, 4.25% Spain, 1.66% Netherlands

 As illustrated in the graphic, the United States heavily relies on Canada, unlike Germany, which sources from a diverse range of countries, highlighting their distinct approaches to risk management in global trade.

China's dependence on Australian market, followed by the Russia’s one, and the intra-European trade of the Netherlands and Spain, emphasize the importance of regional trade dynamics and the value of strong bilateral relationships.

1. United States (40.1%): 91.6% Canada, 3.92% Sweden, 2.14% Finland
2. Germany (10.9%): 29% Finland, 16.3% Sweden, 10% Czechia, 9.74% Poland, 9.59% United Kingdom, 9.01% Denmark
3. China (9.38%): 71.4% Australia, 20.8% Russia, 5.68% Canada, 1.97% United States
4. Netherlands (6.39%): 36.2% Poland, 24.3% United Kingdom, 12.9% France, 9.7% Germany, 4.72% Latvia, 2.95% Belgium, 1.38% Finland, 1.1% Sweden
5. Spain (4.79%): 35.4% United Kingdom, 28.8% Sweden, 11.7% Latvia, 9.17% France, 4.72% Finland, 2.26% Russia

Between 2021 and 2022, the fastest growing exporter was Australia with an increase of $64.2M, followed by United Kingdom ($63.6M), Chile ($21.4M), Sweden ($18.4M), and Canada ($17M).

1. Australia: from $118M to $182M
2. United Kingdom: from $14.6M to $78.2M
3. Chile: from $2.15M to $23.6M
4. Sweden: from $58.5M to $76.9M
5. Canada: from $447M to $464M

Whereas as far as concerns the imports, the country which saw a fastest growth was the United States with an increase of $99.2M, ahead of Spain ($23.4M), Mexico ($22.5M), Netherlands ($10.2M), and Finland ($7.41M).

1. United States: from $384M to $483M
2. Spain: from $34.2M to $57.6M
3. Mexico: from $23M to $45.5M
4. Netherlands: from $66.6M to $76.9M
5. Finland: from $615k to $8.03M

Sources: 

https://oec.world/en