Soft white wheat gaining popularity in Mexico

Soft white wheat grown primarily in the Pacific Northwest is gaining in popularity in Mexico, according to the Washington Grain Commission. As of Dec. 26, Mexico had purchased 2.9 million bushels of soft white wheat, compared to a total of 183,000 bushels for 2023-2024, said Jake Liening, commission market development specialist, in a press release.

“This year’s sales have already surpassed the country’s five-year average by more than double,” Liening stated.

Four months remain in the marketing year, he noted. Mexico was the top importer of U.S. wheat in the 2023-2024 marketing year, but historically leans towards red wheat varieties, Liening said.

From 2017 to 2024, Mexico’s total purchases of U.S. soft white wheat totaled 11.06 million bushels, with a five-year average of 1.32 million bushels.

For hard red winter wheat, Mexico’s five-year average is 72.05 million bushels; for hard red spring wheat, 25.1 million bushels and soft red winter wheat is 32.11 million bushels.

‘Significant growth area’ Lower soft white wheat prices are driving demand, as well as proactive promotion of soft white wheat by U.S. Wheat Associates and its Mexico City office, including a trade team visit to Idaho in 2023 and annual crop quality seminars.

Soft white wheat meets Mexico’s flour needs for its cookie and cracker industries, and other baked goods, according to the grain commission.

The 2024-2025 marketing year could represent a “turning point” in Mexico’s relationship with U.S. white wheat, Liening said.

“If Mexico continues to expand its use of white wheat, this market could develop into a significant growth area for Washington’s wheat growers,” he stated.

Tariff impact unclear President Donald Trump is slated to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico beginning March 4, and a 20% tariff on China, according to the Associated Press.

It’s unclear how that would impact demand for soft white wheat in Mexico, wheat industry representatives say “We are not able to speculate about what might happen,” said Lori Maricle, grain commission director of communication.

“We can’t speculate about tariff impacts until we know if there is a direct impact on that market,” said Steve Mercer, vice president of communications for U.S. Wheat.

Tags: Mexico, prices, U.S., soft red winter wheat, Hard Red Winter-wheat, soft white wheat, hard red spring wheat