Russian wheat shipments reach unprecedented levels, according to data
Russia has increased its shipments to the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia as a reaction to heightened EU tariffs. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Egypt has maintained its status as the leading importer of Russian wheat, bringing in 6.3 million tons from July to January, as per the latest statistics.
At the beginning of the 2024-2025 agricultural season, Russia's wheat exports have reached an unprecedented level, despite the European Union's attempts to limit the country’s participation in global grain markets, based on recent industry reports.
Last year, the EU implemented higher tariffs on Russian grain imports to reduce Moscow’s export revenue, expressing concerns that inexpensive Russian wheat might destabilize the European market.
In response, Moscow has criticized these restrictions, claiming that the tariff increase is not merely a "side effect" of sanctions but a strategic move to undermine Russia. The Kremlin has warned that the EU's measures could worsen global food insecurity, adding that “consumers in Europe would definitely suffer” from escalating prices.
Recent data released by railway operator Rusagrotrans indicates that Russian wheat shipments reached a record 32.2 million tons from July to January, a rise from 31.8 million tons in the same timeframe the previous season. However, exports in January saw a sharp decline to 2.47 million tons, down from 4.08 million tons in January 2024.
Egypt topped the list of wheat importers from Russia, importing 6.3 million tons — 1.7 times more than in the same timeframe last year. Meanwhile, Bangladesh surpassed Türkiye to become the second-largest destination at 2.28 million tons.
Shipments to Türkiye saw a nearly 50% decrease, totaling 2.28 million tons and reaching the lowest point in eight years. Algeria and Kenya also increased their imports, with Algeria purchasing 1.69 million tons and Kenya 1.4 million tons.
In December, Russia implemented a wheat export quota to align domestic grain supply and demand. This quota, set at 10.6 million tons for the period from February 15 to June 30, 2025, does not apply to shipments intended for international humanitarian assistance.
As part of its food assistance initiative, Russia has supplied Ethiopia with 1,600 tons of grain, according to TASS. Additionally, in December, 65 tons of wheat were delivered to Mali. This effort, the largest of its kind that Russia has ever executed, involves a total of 200,000 tons of wheat donated to six low-income African nations.
In the wake of increased EU tariffs, Russia has successfully diverted a substantial portion of its grain exports towards the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia.
During the 2023-2024 agricultural season, Russia set a record by exporting 55.3 million tons of wheat, reinforcing its position as the world’s largest wheat supplier. The country accounted for 26.1% of the global wheat market, as reported by the International Grains Council.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
At the beginning of the 2024-2025 agricultural season, Russia's wheat exports have reached an unprecedented level, despite the European Union's attempts to limit the country’s participation in global grain markets, based on recent industry reports.
Last year, the EU implemented higher tariffs on Russian grain imports to reduce Moscow’s export revenue, expressing concerns that inexpensive Russian wheat might destabilize the European market.
In response, Moscow has criticized these restrictions, claiming that the tariff increase is not merely a "side effect" of sanctions but a strategic move to undermine Russia. The Kremlin has warned that the EU's measures could worsen global food insecurity, adding that “consumers in Europe would definitely suffer” from escalating prices.
Recent data released by railway operator Rusagrotrans indicates that Russian wheat shipments reached a record 32.2 million tons from July to January, a rise from 31.8 million tons in the same timeframe the previous season. However, exports in January saw a sharp decline to 2.47 million tons, down from 4.08 million tons in January 2024.
Egypt topped the list of wheat importers from Russia, importing 6.3 million tons — 1.7 times more than in the same timeframe last year. Meanwhile, Bangladesh surpassed Türkiye to become the second-largest destination at 2.28 million tons.
Shipments to Türkiye saw a nearly 50% decrease, totaling 2.28 million tons and reaching the lowest point in eight years. Algeria and Kenya also increased their imports, with Algeria purchasing 1.69 million tons and Kenya 1.4 million tons.
In December, Russia implemented a wheat export quota to align domestic grain supply and demand. This quota, set at 10.6 million tons for the period from February 15 to June 30, 2025, does not apply to shipments intended for international humanitarian assistance.
As part of its food assistance initiative, Russia has supplied Ethiopia with 1,600 tons of grain, according to TASS. Additionally, in December, 65 tons of wheat were delivered to Mali. This effort, the largest of its kind that Russia has ever executed, involves a total of 200,000 tons of wheat donated to six low-income African nations.
In the wake of increased EU tariffs, Russia has successfully diverted a substantial portion of its grain exports towards the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia.
During the 2023-2024 agricultural season, Russia set a record by exporting 55.3 million tons of wheat, reinforcing its position as the world’s largest wheat supplier. The country accounted for 26.1% of the global wheat market, as reported by the International Grains Council.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
