Ethiopia becoming more self-sufficient in wheat

Although domestic demand for wheat and wheat-based products continues to grow, wheat imports in Ethiopia are expected to decline in the 2025-26 marketing year as production is forecast to increase 5% year on year to a record 6.5 million tonnes, according to a report from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture.

The surge in production in recent years is attributed to expanded irrigated farmland, improved inputs and improved yields, the FAS said.

Conversely, Ethiopia’s wheat and wheat product imports are forecast to decline by 24% in 2025-26 to 1.3 million tonnes.

“While overall demand for wheat in Ethiopia is projected to remain strong, import volumes are likely to decrease gradually as local supply improves,” the FAS said.

The report noted that the country’s grain policy is focused on “food security and import substitution.”

“There are gains in domestic production due to improved yields and government-led efforts,” the FAS said. “Demand from millers and food manufacturers remains high, particularly for wheat. In the short term, commercial wheat imports will continue to play a critical role in bridging the supply gap and stabilizing the market.”

Ethiopian wheat consumption is projected at 7.82 million tonnes, representing a 3% increase from the previous year.

“This growth is largely attributed to Ethiopia’s increasing urbanization (4.8% annually), rapid population expansion (2.7% annually), and changing dietary preferences that favor processed wheat products like bread, pasta, biscuits, and pastries — especially in urban areas,” the FAS said.

Tags: wheat, Ethiopia