Brazil – a new export player in the global wheat market?

The world’s second most consumed wheat, accounting for 30% of global grain production, is undergoing significant changes in Brazil. The country, which ranks among the top wheat importers, is striving to achieve self-sufficiency in wheat production. In 2022, Brazil’s wheat production reached a record high of 10.554 million tons, and there are forecasts of further growth in the coming years.

This significant increase in Brazil’s wheat production is the result of the expansion of planted area during the season, driven by good prices and favorable weather conditions. For the upcoming harvest, which will start in August 2023 and end in July 2024, the National Supply Company (CONAB) has adjusted estimates of planted area and production. The planted area is expected to be 3,429.6 million hectares (+11.1%) and the harvest is expected to be 10,429.7 million tons (-1.2%).

In the first half of 2023, Brazil’s wheat imports totaled 2.1 million tons, down 35.1% from the same period last year. This is the lowest level of imports since 1997. This decrease in imports may indicate that Brazil is shifting to self-sufficiency, reducing the need for supplies from abroad and increasing its participation in the international wheat market.

The positive results in the wheat sector are largely due to the development of adapted varieties with stable yields and disease resistance, achieved through years of research led by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA). The use of these adapted plants has strengthened and expanded winter cereal crops in the country, reducing pesticide use and increasing farm profitability.

The Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA) has played a fundamental role in the development and strengthening of the wheat sector in Brazil. The organization has worked to improve production, competitiveness and sustainability through strategic and representative actions in this important agricultural product. At the same time, a proposal of objectives and actions is being developed under the National Wheat Plan to promote the development of the crop and the industry throughout the country.

Tags: Brazil, wheat