USDA raises Bangladesh’s wheat import forecast to 7.2 mln tons

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has raised its forecast for Bangladesh wheat imports in the MY 2025/26 ending in June by 7.4% to 7.2 million tonnes, citing stronger demand for wheat for food consumption, seed use, and industrial processing.

Previously, the USDA had projected imports at 6.7 million tonnes. Bangladesh produces about 1 million tonnes of wheat annually, covering only around 13% of total domestic consumption, which is estimated at 7.7 million tonnes.

In its Grain: World Markets and Trade report, the USDA noted that global wheat trade is expanding, driven by higher imports from the EU, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, offsetting reduced purchases by Mexico. Lower global wheat prices have also supported demand growth, while domestic rice prices remain relatively high.

According to the World Bank, prices for U.S. hard red wheat have fallen by about 42% over the past two years, reaching $219.6 per tonne in 2025. Market participants expect prices could decline further after India eased wheat export restrictions and allowed shipments of 2.5 million tonnes.

Estimates from the government’s Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU) also suggest Bangladesh’s wheat imports could reach 7.2 million tonnes in MY 2025/26. In the first half of the season, private companies imported 3.25 million tonnes of wheat, up 31% year-on-year, while public-sector purchases declined. Overall, Bangladesh imported 6.14 million tonnes of wheat in the MY 2024/25.

Tags: imports, Bangladesh, wheat