Romania leads EU wheat exports with 3.68 million tonnes

Romania has emerged as the largest exporter of soft wheat within the European Union, reaching an impressive 3.68 million tonnes by October 18, 2026. This achievement underscores Romania's significant role in the EU agricultural landscape, contributing to the overall EU wheat exports totaling 8.47 million tonnes during the same period.

In the context of changing grain markets, the EU has seen a remarkable 40% annual increase in corn imports, amounting to 6.64 million tonnes from July 1 to October 18, 2026. Notably, American corn deliveries have tripled during this timeframe, with 2.9 million tonnes imported from the United States alone, compared to approximately 900,000 tonnes from the previous year.

Ukrainian corn shipments have also made strides, increasing from 770,000 tonnes last year to 1.62 million tonnes this year. However, imports from Brazil have declined to 1.82 million tonnes, down from 2.74 million tonnes in the previous season.

On the barley front, the EU's exports reached 2.22 million tonnes, although this represents a 41% drop compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, exports of soft wheat from other EU countries such as Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, and Bulgaria also added to the collective figures, showcasing a diverse export base.

It's important to note that data regarding French exports remains incomplete since early 2024, with further gaps in the records from Bulgaria, Ireland, and Greece impacting the overall picture for EU agricultural exports. As the market continues to evolve, these figures reveal the dynamic nature of agricultural trade in Europe.