Wheat and meslin flour and cereals market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for wheat and meslin flour and cereals in Germany contracted significantly from 6 626 thousand tons in 2018 to 5 823 thousand tons in 2019. This drop coincided with the sustained rise in international wheat prices that began in 2017, which likely dampened domestic consumption. The market volume then stabilized around 5 808 thousand tons in 2020, a period when ongoing concentration in the milling sector—where 20% of mills processed 85% of the wheat—supported supply-side efficiency.

Market volume recovered to 6 050 thousand tons in 2021, bolstered by increased domestic utilization of grain, particularly for animal feed, which raised overall demand for grain products. This expansion was reversed in 2022, when the market fell back to 5 812 thousand tons as soaring wheat prices triggered by the war in Ukraine and global supply chain disruptions reduced availability and increased costs.

A modest rebound to 5 844 thousand tons occurred in 2023, supported by a slight decline in domestic wheat selling prices and growing consumer interest in sustainable and organic farming practices, which helped maintain stable demand.

Production wheat and meslin flour and cereals in Germany

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany held the 11th position globally in the production of wheat and meslin flour and cereals.

Top producers of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, 2017-2020

World map of production of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, 2017-2020

Wheat and meslin flour and cereals production in Germany fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, Germany produced 6 551 K t, marking a 1.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production dropped by 11.8%, which translates to an annualized decline of 4.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports wheat and meslin flour and cereals from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Germany's export volume of wheat and meslin flour and cereals was 954.0 K t, down 1.9% from the year before. The lowest volume occurred in 2018 at 942.0 K t, while the peak was in 2019 at 972.1 K t. The most significant increase happened in 2019, with a rise of 3.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Austria were the top destinations for Germany's exports in kind, accounting for 44.0%, 24.9%, and 7.5% of the total, respectively. Together, they made up 76.4% of all export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of wheat and meslin flour and cereals exports from Germany decreased. In 2020, exports totaled 367.7 M $ US, showing little change from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 9.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 368.5 M $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 7.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Austria were the leading destinations for Germany's exports in value terms, with shares of 37.6%, 27.0%, and 7.1%, respectively. Combined, they represented 71.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020

Imports wheat and meslin flour and cereals to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Germany's import volume of wheat and meslin flour and cereals reached 211.4 K t, a sharp increase of 29.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 27%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 8.3%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 163.0 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 12.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Poland, and the Netherlands were the main sources for Germany's imports in kind, contributing 28.8%, 16.9%, and 12.4% of the total, respectively. Together, they accounted for 58.1% of all import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's import value of wheat and meslin flour and cereals stood at 100.3 M $ US, up 32.7% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 44.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.1%. The most significant drop was in 2019, with a decrease of 5.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Italy, Austria, and the Netherlands were the key sources for Germany's imports in value terms, with shares of 36.5%, 12.2%, and 11.1%, respectively. Together, they made up 59.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020