Wheat and meslin flour and cereals market in Australia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the Australian wheat and meslin flour market volume showed variable movement, starting at 2 093 thousand tons in 2018. It increased to 2 139 thousand tons in 2019, then contracted over the next two years to 2 014 thousand tons in 2021. A strong recovery followed, with the market reaching 2 151 thousand tons in 2022 and 2 274 thousand tons in 2023.

The market expansion in 2022 was primarily driven by global agricultural commodity inflation, which raised export prices for wheat and meslin flour by 16% and stimulated domestic production. This was reinforced by a $42.3 million investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation into sector research and development. Furthermore, the regulatory approval of genetically modified HB4 wheat for food use, subject to existing GM labeling rules, altered import and supply conditions. The growth trend continued into 2023, sustained by ongoing global supply chain disruptions and commodity price fluctuations.

Production wheat and meslin flour and cereals in Australia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, 2018-2021

World map of production of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, 2018-2021

Australia's production of wheat and meslin flour and cereals declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 2 058 K t, marking a slight contraction of 1.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 2.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 132 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 1.0% during this timeframe.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports wheat and meslin flour and cereals from Australia

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. In 2019, wheat and meslin flour and cereals exports from Australia reached their lowest point at 21 758 t, with the largest decline of 49.4% recorded that year. By 2020, exports surged, showing the largest increase of 93.4%. In 2021, exports stood at 66 345 t, representing a significant rise of 57.7% from the previous year. The span from 2019 to 2021 saw a peak-to-trough amplitude of three times.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, three main markets—New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Thailand—collectively absorbed 57.1% of Australia's total exports in kind of wheat and meslin flour and cereals.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decrease, Australia's foreign wheat and meslin flour and cereals supplies increased. In 2021, exports reached 17 527 K $ US, up by 9.4% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 21%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 16 028 K $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 27.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Australia's exports in value terms of wheat and meslin flour and cereals were distributed across many countries. New Zealand accounted for 24.7% of exports in value terms, Thailand for 12.3%, and China for 12.0%, with these three markets jointly representing 49.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021

Imports wheat and meslin flour and cereals to Australia

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, Australia's wheat and meslin flour and cereals import volumes declined. In 2021, imports reached 21 924 t, corresponding to a sharp decline of 46.2% year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 18.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 40 744 t, which also saw the largest increase of 39.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout 2018 to 2021, three largest markets—India, Italy, and the United States—dominated imports in kind, together accounting for 78.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year rise, Australia's volume of wheat and meslin flour and cereals imports declined. In 2021, import volume was recorded at 17 959 K $ US, indicating a decline of 40.3% versus the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 3.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 30 063 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 33.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the leading destinations for imports in value terms of wheat and meslin flour and cereals to Australia were India, accounting for 40.6% of imports in value terms, Italy at 27.2%, and Poland at 7.0%. Together, these three countries represented 74.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021