US ends MY 2025/26 with highest wheat exports in five seasons

The United States exported 23.8 mln tons of wheat in the MY 2025/26, nearly 15% more than a year earlier. This marked the country’s highest export volume since the 2020/21 season, providing support to U.S. farmers amid low domestic grain prices.

According to U.S. Wheat Associates, the USDA initially forecast wheat exports at 21.8 mln tons, but revised the estimate upward several times during the season as export sales exceeded expectations. In total, more than 55 countries purchased U.S. wheat in the MY 2025/26.

Mexico remained the largest buyer of U.S. wheat, once again ranking as the top export destination. It was the leading importer of U.S. Hard Red Winter (HRW) and Soft Red Winter (SRW) wheat, while also becoming the second-largest buyer of U.S. Hard Red Spring (HRS) wheat.

Strong demand also came from Japan, the Philippines, and South Korea. At the same time, so-called swing markets, particularly Nigeria and Indonesia, significantly increased purchases above their five-year average levels.

Nigeria imported 1.65 mln tons of U.S. wheat in the MY 2025/26, more than doubling its purchases from the previous season. Indonesia bought 1.15 mln tons, up 50% year-on-year, supported by recovering demand and an agreement between U.S. Wheat Associates and Indonesia’s flour milling association, APTINDO.

At the start of the MY 2026/27, the USDA had already reported more than 3.0 mln tons of U.S. wheat sales. Export performance in the months ahead will depend on harvest progress, competition from other exporters, and the ability of U.S. suppliers to maintain their position in both traditional and emerging markets.

Tags: export, wheat, USA