Bulgaria’s wheat exports reach record pace in 2026/27

Bulgaria exported approximately 3.1 mln tons of wheat in July–October 2026/27, up 65% from 1.9 mln tons shipped during the same period of the previous season. This marks a record export volume for the first four months of the marketing year. The current figure is also more than 30% above the five-year average of approximately 2.3 mln tons.

The strong export performance was supported by a record wheat harvest, which exceeded 7.65 mln tons in 2026. Following the shipments made so far, Bulgaria’s wheat stocks are estimated at around 4.4 mln tons. Of this volume, approximately 1.1 mln tons will be needed to cover domestic consumption until the next harvest, leaving an estimated exportable surplus of about 3.3 mln tons.

Spain emerged as the largest buyer of Bulgarian wheat, importing more than 900 thsd tons during the four-month period, compared with 260 thsd tons a year earlier. Spanish importers have already purchased more Bulgarian wheat than during the entire previous marketing year, when shipments totaled around 850 thsd tons. Other major destinations included Indonesia with more than 250 thsd tons, Tunisia with approximately 240 thsd tons, and Bangladesh and Vietnam, each importing over 160 thsd tons.

Meanwhile, Bulgarian wheat exports to Algeria more than halved, falling from over 800 thsd tons last year to less than 400 thsd tons this season. The decline was mainly attributed to limited supplies of wheat meeting Algerian importers’ quality requirements, particularly the W180 flour strength specification. Wheat meeting these standards currently commands a premium of approximately EUR 11 per ton over grain that does not meet the requirement.

If the current export pace continues, Bulgaria’s wheat stocks could decline significantly in the second half of 2026/27. Under this scenario, ending stocks could fall to just 200–300 thsd tons, potentially creating additional risks for domestic market supplies and limiting opportunities for further export growth toward the end of the season.

Tags: Bulgaria, export, wheat