Data indicates Russian wheat shipments reaching historic high

(MENAFN) Russia’s wheat exports have reached an all-time high at the beginning of the 2024-2025 agricultural season, despite the European Union’s efforts to limit the country’s grain market access, according to recent industry data. Last year, the EU imposed higher tariffs on Russian wheat imports in an attempt to reduce Moscow’s export earnings, claiming that cheaper Russian wheat could disrupt European markets.

Russia has criticized the tariff increases, labeling them as a direct attempt to undermine the country rather than a byproduct of sanctions. The Kremlin has warned that these actions could worsen global food insecurity, causing consumers in Europe to face higher prices.

According to data from the railway operator Rusagrotrans, Russian wheat exports reached a record 32.2 million tons between July and January, surpassing the previous season’s 31.8 million tons. However, January exports saw a sharp decline to 2.47 million tons, compared to 4.08 million tons in January 2024.

Egypt remains Russia’s largest wheat importer, increasing its purchases to 6.3 million tons—1.7 times more than last year. Bangladesh has surpassed Turkey to become the second-largest importer, with 2.28 million tons. Meanwhile, exports to Turkey fell by almost 50%, reaching their lowest level in eight years at 2.28 million tons. Algeria and Kenya also increased their imports, purchasing 1.69 million tons and 1.4 million tons, respectively.

In December, Russia implemented a wheat export quota to manage domestic grain supply and demand, capping exports at 10.6 million tons from February 15 to June 30, 2025, with exemptions for humanitarian aid shipments.

As part of its food aid initiative, Russia has provided 1,600 tons of grain to Ethiopia and 65 tons to Mali, with 200,000 tons of wheat donated to six low-income African nations. These efforts have helped Russia redirect substantial wheat exports to regions in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, countering the effects of the EU tariffs.

For the 2023-2024 agricultural season, Russia set a record by exporting 55.3 million tons of wheat, maintaining its position as the world's largest wheat supplier, with a 26.1% share of the global market, according to the International Grains Council.

MENAFN11022025000045015687ID1109192131