U.S. Wheat Exports Jump 16 Percent In 2024 Thanks To Higher Output
U.S. wheat exports made a strong comeback in the 2024/25 marketing year, with total exports reaching 820 million bushels, up 16% from the previous year, according to the USDA's June 2025 WASDE report.
This growth was mainly due to improved wheat production after years of drought, combined with competitive prices and solid demand from global buyers. Farmers harvested wheat on 38.5 million acres, boosting total production by 9% to nearly 1.97 billion bushels.
Mexico led the way as the top export destination for U.S. wheat, with record April sales helping total exports reach 147 million bushels. South Korea also set a record with imports totaling 88.2 million bushels.
Among wheat classes, Hard Red Winter (HRW) wheat showed the biggest improvement, with exports rising 57% to 210 million bushels. Though still short of pre-drought levels, HRW gained ground due to higher output and better prices.
Soft White (SW) and Soft Red Winter (SRW) also performed well. SW exports rose 18% with strong yields and favorable conditions, while SRW exports reached the second-highest level in 10 years at 121 million bushels, leading global prices for several months.
Meanwhile, Hard Red Spring (HRS) wheat exports remained steady at 250 million bushels, facing tough price competition from Canada. Durum wheat exports declined to 14.4 million bushels, but quality remained high.
Ample U.S. wheat supplies and global price competitiveness helped the industry recover. Despite China importing less wheat, U.S. wheat remained a trusted option amid tight world stocks.
As noted in the report, “More bushels harvested in the United States meant more bushels to market overseas.”