Stable Harvests Push Canada to 3rd in World Wheat Exports
For the second consecutive year, Canada is poised to retain its rank as the world’s third-largest wheat exporter, propelled by rising crop yields across the prairie provinces and drought conditions in other countries.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Canada is set to surpass Australia in wheat exports for 2023-2024, a trend expected to continue in the 2024-2025 crop year. Canada’s export volume trails only Russia and the European Union.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) latest outlook for 2024-2025 anticipates a 1.8% increase in principal field crop production compared to the previous year, with a 2.4% rise over the five-year average. This growth reflects the relatively stable harvest conditions in Western Canada this fall, contrasting with last year’s more severe drought.
Even amidst challenging conditions, Canadian wheat production managed to hold the third position last year as well, while Australian yields were impacted by adverse weather.
AAFC’s reports indicate that in 2023-2024, Canada exported nearly 21.8 megatonnes of wheat to 65 nations, with China, Indonesia, Japan, Bangladesh, and the United States as the top buyers.
According to Farm Credit Canada has consistently bolstered its wheat export volumes over time based on advancements in agricultural research and crop genetics.
Global wheat demand continues to expand, with the USDA projecting a 0.6% rise in 2024-2025, driven by heightened demand from regions like North America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Durum wheat, mainly grown in Canada’s southern prairies and used in pasta production, is experiencing high demand from Europe and North Africa.
Canadian Grain Commission says that durum wheat exports this fall are roughly 25% higher than last year.
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