Wheat and meslin flour market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, production of wheat and meslin flour in Russia declined from 8 768 thousand tons to 8 296 thousand tons, while the market volume shrank from 8 593 thousand tons to 8 052 thousand tons. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted logistics and supply chains, contributing to lower output. In 2021, rising production costs due to higher expenses for rent, transportation, and energy resources put additional pressure on manufacturers, leading to a further decrease in production.

From 2022 to 2024, production recovered and grew, reaching 9 266 thousand tons in 2024, with the market volume expanding to 8 918 thousand tons by 2024. In 2023, an anticipated abundant grain harvest provided stability in the raw material base, supporting milling capacity. By 2024, increasing consumer interest in home baking stimulated demand for wheat flour, contributing to market growth.

In 2025, production fell to 8 807 thousand tons. This reduction was driven by escalating production costs due to higher transport, energy, and labor expenses, as well as tighter regulatory oversight: the Federal Antimonopoly Service initiated checks on price justification for bread and bakery products, creating additional pressure on producers.

Production wheat and meslin flour in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's production of wheat and meslin flour has declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 8 296 thousand tons, representing a slight year-over-year contraction of 1.0%. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 5.4%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 1.8%.

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

Exports wheat and meslin flour from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, Russia's foreign supplies of wheat and meslin flour reached 259.0 thousand tons, showing a 5.0% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 246.6 thousand tons, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 312.9 thousand tons. The most significant decline of 21.2% took place in 2020, whereas the largest increase of 22.5% was observed in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for Russia's wheat and meslin flour exports in kind were China, accounting for 32.0% of exports, Belarus with 10.7%, and Armenia at 8.3%. Together, these three countries represented 51.0% of the total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, Russia exported wheat and meslin flour worth 85.9 million US dollars, marking a significant gain of 11.5% over 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 24.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 102.2 million US dollars. The largest decline of 24.6% occurred in 2020, while the most substantial increase of 48.1% was seen in 2019.

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

During 2018–2021, Russia's wheat and meslin flour exports in value terms were distributed across many different markets. Even the largest destinations—China, Belarus, and Armenia—together accounted for only 49.1% of total exports.

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

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

Imports wheat and meslin flour to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, Russia's imports of wheat and meslin flour amounted to 48.8 thousand tons, reflecting a strong increase of 18.4% compared to the previous year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 41.3 thousand tons, while the maximum was in 2019 with 72.6 thousand tons. The most significant decline of 43.1% occurred in 2020, and the largest increase of 46.6% was observed in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the leading sources for Russia's wheat and meslin flour imports in kind were Kazakhstan, representing 63.9% of imports, Belarus with 12.4%, and Ukraine at 9.2%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 85.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, Russia's wheat and meslin flour imports were valued at 18.5 million US dollars, up by 23.7% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 46.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 21.2 million US dollars. The largest decline of 29.7% took place in 2020, while the most substantial increase of 68.4% was seen in 2019.

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

Over the 2018–2021 period, the main markets for Russia's wheat and meslin flour imports in value terms were Kazakhstan, accounting for 55.1% of imports, Italy with 18.7%, and Belarus at 7.8%. Together, these three countries represented 81.7% of total import flows.

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

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