Russia continues to dominate global wheat exports, with Egypt retaining its position as the largest buyer in the 2024/25 agricultural year (July-June), importing 8.61 million metric tons (MMT)—a marginal 1% decrease from the previous season (8.66 MMT). These figures, reported by Igor Pavensky, head of the Rusagrotrans analytical center, highlight Egypt’s reliance on Russian grain despite competitive global markets.
Turkey, traditionally a major importer, saw a drastic 50% drop in purchases, importing just 3.55 MMT—the lowest volume since 2016/17 (2.55 MMT). This decline reflects Turkey’s increased domestic production and diversification of suppliers.
Bangladesh ranked third, importing 2.82 MMT, down from 3.8 MMT the previous year. Meanwhile, Algeria and Saudi Arabia significantly reduced imports, taking 1.76 MMT (-26%) and 1.51 MMT (-35%), respectively.
Emerging Markets Drive Growth
While some traditional buyers scaled back, African and Asian markets expanded their Russian wheat imports:
- Nigeria: 1.54 MMT (up 2.7x)
- Morocco: 1.13 MMT (up 2.3x)
- Libya: 1.6 MMT (up 10%)
- Vietnam: 550,000 tons (up 2.8x)
Notably, Togo, Sierra Leone, and Zanzibar resumed imports after multi-year gaps, signaling Russia’s push into new markets.
Barley and Corn Exports Rise
Beyond wheat, Russia’s barley exports reached 4.6 MMT in 2024/25, with a 2025/26 forecast of 5.6 MMT, driven by strong harvests and zero export duties. Corn exports are expected to grow from 3.1 MMT to 4.1 MMT.
Total Grain Exports Near Record Highs
Russia shipped 53.3 MMT of grain and legumes in 2024/25, with projections of 56-59 MMT in 2025/26. Wheat alone accounted for 42.2 MMT, the third-highest volume in history, following the record-breaking 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.
Russia’s grain trade is evolving, with Egypt remaining a cornerstone buyer while African and Asian markets emerge as growth drivers. Turkey’s sharp decline underscores shifting trade dynamics, while rising barley and corn exports diversify Russia’s agricultural footprint. With global demand fluctuating, Russian exporters are adapting by tapping into new regions—a strategy likely to strengthen its position as a top grain supplier.
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