1. Global Wheat Production (2023/24–2024/25)

Global wheat production over the past two marketing years has remained strong, fluctuating between 790–800 million metric tons (MMT) annually according to the USDA and the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Major Producing Countries

China and India together account for more than one-third of global wheat output, although most of their production is consumed domestically. Russia, the EU, the U.S., Canada, and Australia remain the backbone of export-oriented supply.

Major Export Wheat Classes

Importers and manufacturers typically source from the following globally traded varieties:

• Hard Red Winter (HRW) – bread flour

• Hard Red Spring (HRS) – high-protein bread & blending

• Soft Red Winter (SRW) – cakes, biscuits, pastries

• Durum – pasta and semolina

• Australian Premium White (APW) – noodles & flatbreads

• Black Sea milling wheat – general bread production

2. Applications of Standard Wheat

2.1 Human Food (≈70% of Global Use)

Wheat remains the world’s most traded food grain. Key applications include:

• Bread and bakery products

• Pasta and semolina (durum)

• Noodles (Asia-Pacific markets)

• Biscuits, cakes, confectionery

• Flatbreads and tortillas

Protein level and gluten strength are critical determinants for industrial milling and food manufacturing.

2.2 Animal Feed (≈20%)

Lower-grade wheat and milling byproducts (bran, screenings) are widely used in:

• Poultry feed

• Swine feed

• Dairy rations

Feed substitution with corn occurs depending on relative pricing.

2.3 Industrial Uses (≈10%)

• Wheat starch (adhesives, biodegradable packaging)

• Ethanol production

• Paper and textile processing

• Bioplastics

Industrial starch demand is rising in environmentally sustainable packaging markets.

3. Top Wheat Exporters & Major Import Markets

Global wheat trade volume is approximately 200–210 million MT annually.

3.1 Leading Exporters (2024/25)

1. Russia – world’s largest exporter (≈45–50 MMT)

2. European Union – ≈35–40 MMT

3. Canada – ≈25 MMT

4. United States – ≈20–22 MMT

5. Australia – ≈20–25 MMT

6. Ukraine – ≈15–18 MMT

3.2 Major Import Markets

Notable Trade Flows:

• Russia → Egypt, Turkey, Bangladesh

• EU → Morocco, Egypt, Algeria

• U.S. → Mexico, Philippines, Japan

• Canada → China, Indonesia, Japan

• Australia → Indonesia, Philippines, China

• Ukraine → Spain, Egypt, Southeast Asia

Egypt remains one of the world’s largest single wheat importers.

4. Regulatory & Import Considerations

For international importers and manufacturers, compliance is critical.

4.1 Tariffs & Trade Policies

• India currently maintains high wheat import tariffs (~40%).

• Many countries apply tariff-rate quotas (TRQs).

• Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) may reduce duties.

• Export restrictions can occur during supply shocks.

Importers must verify current applied tariffs through customs authorities or WTO schedules.

4.2 Quality & Grading Standards

Typical milling wheat specifications include:

• Moisture: ≤ 13.5%

• Test weight: 76–80 kg/hl

• Protein: 11–14.5% depending on class

• Foreign matter: < 2%

• Falling number: 250–300+ seconds

Maximum contaminant levels (varies by market):

• Aflatoxin: often < 2–5 ppb

• Cadmium: EU limit 0.1 mg/kg

• Pesticide MRL compliance required

Independent inspection agencies (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Cotecna) are commonly used.

4.3 Phytosanitary Requirements

Most importing countries require:

• Phytosanitary Certificate

• Fumigation Certificate

• Certificate of Origin

• Bill of Lading

• Commercial Invoice

• Quality Certificate

The EU requires certification free from Karnal bunt (Tilletia indica) for certain origins. Some countries require halal certification for wheat-based food products.

4.4 Logistical Considerations

• Bulk vessel shipments: 25,000–60,000 MT

• Containerized wheat: niche markets

• Storage risks: moisture control critical

• Black Sea freight volatility affects pricing

Importers should hedge exposure using futures markets (e.g., Chicago Board of Trade wheat contracts).

5. Strategic Insights for Importers & Manufacturers

1. Diversify origins (Black Sea, North America, Australia).

2. Monitor geopolitical risk (Black Sea corridor stability).

3. Lock in protein specifications contractually.

4. Use pre-shipment inspection.

5. Track currency and freight volatility.

6. Evaluate blending strategies to optimize flour quality and cost.

Global wheat markets remain structurally tight but stable. Price volatility is largely driven by weather, geopolitics, and fertilizer costs.

Adalidda exports standard wheat and Soft Red Winter (SRW) wheat to buyers and manufacturers worldwide. We offer flexible shipment volumes starting from 25,000 MT, with standard packaging in 50 kg polypropylene bags or customized solutions tailored to your handling and logistics requirements. Full technical documentation, including Certificates of Analysis (COA) and detailed specification sheets, is available upon request. For competitive pricing and to explore reliable long-term supply partnerships, please contact our sales team.

Bibliography

1. USDA – World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE), 2024–2025 Reports.

2. Foreign Agricultural Service – Production, Supply and Distribution (PSD) Online Database.

3. Food and Agriculture Organization – FAOSTAT & Food Outlook Reports (2024–2025).

4. International Grains Council – Grain Market Reports 2024/25.

5. World Trade Organization – Tariff and Trade Policy Database.

6. European Commission – EU Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) & SPS regulations.

7. Chicago Board of Trade – Wheat futures market data.

8. World Bank – Commodity Markets Outlook 2024–2025.

Adalidda

Mrs. Susa Taing
General Manager

65 C Street 101

Phnom-Penh

Cambodia

WhatsApp/Telegram: +85569247974

Email: info@adalidda.com