European wheat exports a third smaller than in 2023

The article highlights the dynamics of soft wheat exports and imports within the European Union for the current season, revealing a notable shift in the dominant countries and the impact of reduced yields. As of now, Europe has exported 8.8 million tonnes of soft wheat, led by Romania and supported by Latvia and Lithuania, amidst a decline in traditional sellers like France and Germany. France's exports have significantly dropped, with only 900,000 tonnes sold outside the EU compared to 2.7 million tonnes last year. Germany's exports have also seen a decrease, going from 1.6 million tonnes to 900,000 tonnes. On the other hand, Ukraine has emerged as a key supplier within the EU, contributing 70% of its wheat, with an increase from the previous year. EU imports of soft wheat have experienced a slight uptick, with Spain being the largest importer and Ukraine providing over 200,000 tonnes more than last year. The USDA also notes a potential decrease in Ukraine's export availability due to smaller initial stocks, adding complexity to the already shifting market dynamics.