Wheat shipments from Russia during the July through November period of 2023 rose to 23.6 million tons, up from 19.8 million tons in the same stretch a year earlier, according to Rusagrotrans as cited by RIA News. The uptick arrived despite uneven autumn weather and softer sales in November, underscoring a strong early-season performance. The prior record for this span stood at 22.4 million tons, set in 2020, and this season’s export geography broadened to 67 destinations from 57 the year before, reflecting a more expansive reach for Russian wheat.
While shipments to some traditional markets like Türkiye, Egypt, Iran, and Saudi Arabia dipped slightly, several other countries posted notable gains. Bangladesh, Algeria, Italy, Brazil, and Mexico saw marked increases in Russian wheat imports, and trade flows to Malaysia and Venezuela resumed after a pause. These shifts illustrate how shifting demand patterns and competitive pricing can reconfigure global grain routes during a single harvest window.
Looking ahead, Rusagrotrans anticipates that the 2023-2024 wheat export season could top 49.2 million tons, aligning with the volume seen in the previous season. In addition, flour exports expressed in grain terms were forecast at about 1.6 million tons, versus roughly 1.1 million tons in the prior period, signaling continuing strength in Russia’s role as a grain supplier (Rusagrotrans projections, cited by RIA News).
These dynamics contribute to Russia’s position among the leading grain suppliers to key markets such as the European Union, reinforcing the country’s role in global supply chains. Earlier reporting had noted Russia’s return to the list of top five EU grain suppliers, a status that follows continued production activity and trade flexibility across ports and inland routes. The broader context includes ongoing adjustments by importers that seek to secure reliable wheat supplies amid competitive pricing and seasonal variation in harvest quality and moisture levels.
In related developments, Ukraine reported a record grain harvest, a development that may influence regional supply balances and competitive pricing in neighboring markets. Collectively, these movements highlight how seasonal harvests, weather patterns, logistical capacity, and policy factors interact to shape international grain trade flows in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.