Wheat and meslin flour and cereals market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for wheat and meslin flour and cereals in the Netherlands remained stable at around 1.7 million tonnes in 2018 and 2019. A sharp decline to 1.4 million tonnes occurred in 2020, coinciding with the introduction of the 'Warenwetbesluit Meel en Brood' legislation in July that year. These new rules set stricter requirements for the naming, composition, and quantitative ingredient declaration of bakery products, likely prompting industry adaptation and temporarily reducing production and market volume.

Market volume recovered partially to 1.56 million tonnes in 2021 but resumed its downward trend in 2022 and 2023. The transition period for compliance with the bread legislation ended in July 2022, maintaining regulatory pressure. Simultaneously, due to the war in Ukraine, the Netherlands temporarily eased import certificate and duty requirements for Ukrainian grain from June 2022, facilitating grain imports. Despite this, overall market volume continued to fall, reaching 1.35 million tonnes in 2023.

Production wheat and meslin flour and cereals in the Netherlands

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

In 2021, the Netherlands produced 978 K t of wheat and meslin flour and cereals, representing a 22.2% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 11.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 4.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 800 K t, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 1 141 K t. The most significant decline took place in 2020, when production fell by 29.9%.

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

Exports wheat and meslin flour and cereals from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

Wheat and meslin flour and cereals exports from the Netherlands declined for the second consecutive year in 2021. The country exported 158.0 K t, marking a substantial drop of 11.9% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 15.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 5.4%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 233.6 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 23.2% decrease, while the most significant increase was in 2019, when exports rose by 25.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Belgium, Guinea-Bissau, and Germany were among the largest buyers of wheat and meslin flour and cereals from the Netherlands, accounting for 16.5%, 12.9%, and 11.8% of exports in kind, respectively. However, even combined, these three countries represented just 41.2% of total exports in kind, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the value of wheat and meslin flour and cereals exports from the Netherlands reached 88.5 M $ US, up 6.8% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 6.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 82.9 M $ US, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 102.0 M $ US. The most significant decline took place in 2020, falling by 18.8%, whereas the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 22.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the country breakdown of exports in value terms remained scattered. Belgium, Germany, and Guinea-Bissau accounted for 17.9%, 12.4%, and 10.3% of exports in value terms, respectively. Together, they represented just 40.7% of total flows, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant.

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

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

Imports wheat and meslin flour and cereals to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of wheat and meslin flour and cereals into the Netherlands declined for the second consecutive year in 2021. Import volume stood at 745.9 K t, which is 4.9% lower year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 5.4%, with a CAGR of 1.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 790.0 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a modest 0.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Throughout 2018-2021, two countries—Germany and Belgium—concentrated most of the imports in kind of wheat and meslin flour and cereals to the Netherlands, while other markets played a less significant role individually.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of wheat and meslin flour and cereals into the Netherlands increased for the second consecutive year in 2021. Imports amounted to 281.7 M $ US, marking a robust increase of 11.1% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 7.1%, with a CAGR of 2.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 241.4 M $ US, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 8.3% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2018-2021, the country structure of imports in value terms was strongly concentrated on Germany and Belgium, which together accounted for 90.5% of total flows, with other partners forming a residual tail.

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

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