Egypt remained the top buyer, receiving 6.3 million tons between July and January, according to the latest statistics
Russia’s wheat exports have surged to a record high at the start of the 2024-2025 agricultural season, despite the EU’s efforts to restrict the country’s access to global grain markets, according to the latest industry data.
The EU imposed higher tariffs on Russian grain imports last year, aiming to curb Moscow’s export revenues while citing concerns that cheap Russian wheat could destabilize European markets.
Moscow has condemned the restrictions, arguing that the tariff hike is not a “side effect” of sanctions but a deliberate attempt to undermine Russia. The Kremlin has warned that the EU’s actions could exacerbate global food insecurity, adding that “consumers in Europe would definitely suffer” from rising prices.
According to the latest data by railway operator Rusagrotrans, Russian wheat shipments totaled a record 32.2 million tons between July and January, up from 31.8 million tons in the same period last season. However, January exports dropped significantly to 2.47 million tons, down from 4.08 million tons in the same month of 2024.
Egypt remained Russia’s top wheat buyer, importing 6.3 million tons – 1.7 times more than during the same period last year. Bangladesh overtook Türkiye as the second-largest destination, receiving 2.28 million tons.
Shipments to Türkiye dropped nearly 50% to 2.28 million tons, marking the lowest level in eight years. Algeria and Kenya rounded out the top five importers, increasing purchases to 1.69 million tons and 1.4 million tons, respectively.
In December, Russia introduced a wheat export quota to balance domestic grain supply and demand. The quota, set at 10.6 million tons from February 15 to June 30, 2025, does not apply to exports meant for international humanitarian aid.
As part of its food assistance program, Russia has provided Ethiopia with 1,600 tons of grain, according to TASS. Moscow has also sent 65 tons of wheat to Mali, which arrived in December. The initiative, the largest of its kind Russia has ever undertaken, has seen 200,000 tons of wheat donated to six low-income African nations.
Russia has successfully redirected a significant volume of grain exports to the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia in response to higher EU tariffs.
In the 2023-2024 agricultural season, Russia exported a record-breaking 55.3 million tons of wheat, securing its position as the world’s largest supplier of the commodity. The country accounted for 26.1% of the global wheat market, according to the International Grains Council.
