US becomes largest buyer of Italian wheat flour

The United States became the largest market for Italian soft wheat flour after a sharp increase in purchases in the first half of 2026. According to ITALMOPA, shipments to the US market rose by 38% compared with the same period last year.

Overall, Italy’s soft wheat flour exports increased by nearly 15% in January–June to 202.65 thsd tons. If the current pace is maintained, full-year shipments could reach around 400 thsd tons.

Besides the US, Italian producers also increased exports to other key European markets. Shipments to Spain rose by 23%, Germany by 11% and France by 9%.

In 2025, Italy exported around 362 thsd tons of soft wheat flour, up 10% year on year. Durum wheat semolina exports reached around 142 thsd tons, an increase of nearly 8%.

ITALMOPA attributes the export growth to demand for Italian flour in premium segments, particularly from pizzerias and the confectionery industry, as well as to the technological capabilities of the country’s milling sector.

Tags: wheat, flour, USA, Italy