by PressRomania increased grain exports in the 2024–2025 season
Grain exports in the European Union: overview and forecasts
The 2024–2025 agricultural season was very challenging for many countries. However, it ended successfully for a number of producers. This applies primarily to Romania, which significantly increased its grain exports. In terms of supply volumes, Romania became the leader among European countries.
Romania’s results in grain exports
Romania topped the EU export ranking for three major crops: wheat, barley, and corn.
Wheat:
— exports amounted to 5.5 million tons;
— revenue from shipments reached €1.2 billion;
— average price — €0.23 per kilogram.
This is Romania’s best result in recent years. France was the leader in wheat exports in the previous season. But unfavorable weather in the spring of 2024 affected the quality of the harvest. Consequently, France dropped to sixth place, falling behind not only Romania but also other EU countries. Germany took second place with 2.6 million tons, followed closely by Lithuania.
Barley:
— the harvest exceeded 2 million tons;
— exports brought in about €400 million;
— the average price was €0.19 per kilogram.
Romania was behind France in terms of barley production, but ahead of Germany and other EU countries in terms of exports.
Corn:
— the harvest amounted to 1.2 million tons;
— exports brought in about €304 million;
— the average price was €0.25 per kilogram.
Romania took first place again, ahead of Poland and France in second and third place, respectively.
Romania’s success this season resulted from favorable agroclimatic conditions and an active foreign economic policy. These factors enabled Romania to strengthen its position in the European grain market and offset the decline in performance of other leading exporters.
Wheat export forecasts for the EU
Grain exports from the European Union decreased in the 2024–2025 season compared to the previous year. This is due to unfavorable weather conditions that affected many countries in the region. Wheat exports during this period amounted to approximately 20 million tons, a 35% decrease from the 2023–2024 season. The European Commission attributes the decline in volumes to sales restrictions due to lower yields, primarily in France.
EU experts predict an improvement in the situation for the 2025–2026 season. They expect grain production to reach 128 million tons, a 15% increase from last season. Wheat harvests are expected to increase in countries such as Romania, Spain, and France. France is expected to regain its market leadership with a projected harvest of 32.6 million tons.
Wheat exports for the 2025–2026 season are estimated at around 30 million tons. Overall, experts remain optimistic and expect the current year to bring good results for wheat and other grain crops.