Wheat imports remain critical for the Middle East

The Middle East, which includes parts of Western Asia and Egypt, has a population of 411 million. With a growing population and limited grain production, the region relies heavily on wheat imports, mainly from the Black Sea region.

The key players in the region are Egypt, Iran, Turkey, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

Egypt is forecast to produce 9.3 million tonnes of wheat in 2025-26, with imports estimated at 13 million tonnes. Wheat flour exports are rising due to a lack of milling capacity in conflict-affected countries. Egypt’s population exceeds 107 million and is projected to reach 124 million by 2030, increasing wheat consumption.

Iran plans to produce 13 million tonnes of wheat in 2025-26 and import 2.5 million tonnes. Despite recent conflicts, food supplies remain stable.

Turkey expects a slight decline in wheat production to 18.5 million tonnes due to drought. Consumption remains at 19.4 million tonnes, stabilising due to demographic changes and changing consumption patterns.

Iraq’s wheat harvest is expected to fall to 5 million tonnes, pushing imports up to 2.1 million tonnes. Despite this, the country claims to have achieved self-sufficiency in wheat thanks to government funding.

Saudi Arabia is forecast to import 3.2 million tonnes of wheat in 2025-26, down 10% from the previous year, due to high domestic production. Consumption is forecast at 4.6 million tonnes, supported by demand from the food service sector due to major projects.

Tags: Iran, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, wheat, Iraq