Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 2, In March 2025, the Russian wheat export situation has taken a worrying turn, with exports dropping by 2.9 times compared to the same period last year. The total wheat supply available for export is now only 1.784 million tons, down from 5.126 million tons in March 2024. This is another serious warning sign for Russia's agro-industrial sector, which is already facing challenges due to sanctions, supply chain issues, and rising production costs.

The reduction in exports is particularly evident in key markets. Only 21 countries imported Russian wheat in March this year, compared to 41 countries in the same period last year. The main buyer, Egypt, saw its wheat imports drop by 4.7 times, to just 301.5 thousand tons. Similarly, Bangladesh and Turkey also experienced significant decreases, with imports dropping by 2.4 and 5.5 times, respectively. In contrast, only a few countries like Morocco and Sudan saw increases in wheat imports.

Logistics issues and a decline in the number of wheat exporting companies are adding to the problems. In March 2025, only 25 Russian wheat export companies were operating, compared to 90 companies a year ago. The number of ports handling wheat shipments has also dropped significantly, from 15 to 11. For example, Novorossiysk, once a major export hub, reduced its wheat shipments by threefold, while Azov saw a fivefold decrease. However, there’s an exception: the port of Kavkaz, where exports increased, but almost all the wheat went to Egypt.

The pricing situation also makes life harder for Russian exporters. The FOB wheat price in Novorossiysk rose to $253 per ton in March 2025, up by $16 compared to French wheat. This lack of a price advantage in unstable economic times makes many countries prefer cheaper and more stable wheat from other suppliers. The decline in Russian wheat exports is another sign of the broader crisis affecting the Russian agro-industrial sector. Sanctions, currency fluctuations, and rising production costs are making it increasingly difficult for Russia to compete on the global market. If this trend continues, it could put pressure on Russia's status as a key wheat exporter.