Russia reduced wheat exports by 2.9 times in March

In March 2025, wheat exports from Russia decreased by 2.9 times compared to the same period last year. The total volume of supplies amounted to only 1.784 million tons compared to 5.126 million tons in March 2024. This is another alarming signal for the Russian agro-industrial complex, which is facing serious challenges due to sanctions, logistical difficulties and rising production costs.

The reduction in exports is especially noticeable in key sales markets. In March, only 21 countries imported Russian wheat, while a year ago there were 41. Deliveries to Egypt, which remains the main buyer, fell by 4.7 times – to 301.5 thousand tons. A significant decrease in volumes also occurred in Bangladesh (-2.4 times) and Turkey (-5.5 times). Only in some directions, such as Morocco and Sudan, was growth recorded.

Logistics problems and a decrease in the number of exporting companies further exacerbate the situation. In March 2025, only 25 companies exported Russian wheat compared to 90 a year ago. The number of ports through which shipments were made has decreased significantly: from 15 to 11. For example, Novorossiysk, the largest export hub, reduced shipments threefold, and Azov – fivefold. The only exception was the port of Kavkaz, from where shipments even increased, but the entire volume of wheat went to only one country – Egypt.

The pricing policy for Russian wheat also does not play in favor of exporters. The cost of Russian wheat on FOB Novorossiysk in March rose to $253 per ton, which is $16 more expensive than French wheat. The lack of a price advantage in conditions of economic instability forces many countries to give preference to cheaper and more stable products from other suppliers.

The decline in wheat exports is another manifestation of the crisis that has gripped the Russian agro-industrial complex. Sanctions, currency fluctuations and rising production costs are making the Russian agricultural sector increasingly less competitive on the world market. If this trend continues, Russia risks losing its position as one of the world’s key wheat exporters.

Tags: Russia, export, wheat