Wheat and meslin market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

The wheat and meslin market volume in Latin America and the Caribbean showed considerable movement between 2018 and 2020. A key driver was the recovery of wheat production in Argentina and the United States during 2018, which improved regional supply and contributed to the market's growth to 47.6 million tons in 2019. Subsequently, in 2020, the volume declined to 41.1 million tons as ongoing US policy emphasis on border security and control introduced friction into regional trade flows.

Market volume rebounded strongly to 51.1 million tons in 2021, a period that saw infrastructure capacity expansion in Brazil through the integration of Lintec-Ixon into the Lintec & Linnhoff network, supporting logistics and agricultural operations. Following a sharp contraction to 32.2 million tons in 2022, the market recovered to 45.4 million tons in 2023. This recovery was fueled by expanded planted areas for major crops in Brazil and a regained competitive edge in Argentine agriculture, driven by increased mechanization and the entry of new machinery suppliers.

For 2024, regional dynamics point toward deeper integration, with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean projecting a 4% rise in regional goods exports, particularly food items. This underscores continued efforts to secure stable and cost-effective food supply, which directly shapes the wheat and meslin trade environment.

Production wheat and meslin in Latin America and the Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wheat and meslin, 2017-2020

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

Wheat and meslin production in Latin America and the Caribbean declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the region produced 30 806 K t, which represents a 5.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production overall increased by 3.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 32 536 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 4.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports wheat and meslin from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, K t

Wheat and meslin exports from Latin America and the Caribbean increased after two years of decline. In 2020, the region exported 10 555 K t, marking a significant 65.2% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 20%, translating to an annualized decline of 7.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 387 K t, which also experienced the largest annual drop of 46.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for wheat and meslin exports in kind was balanced rather than concentrated. Indonesia accounted for 11.3% of exports, Algeria for 7.5%, and Thailand for 4.1%, together representing 22.9% of total flows. Many other countries made up the remaining 77.1%.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Wheat and meslin exports from Latin America and the Caribbean declined after two years of growth. In 2020, export value reached 2 371 M $ US, showing a substantial 13.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 11%, with an average annual decline of 3.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 752 M $ US, which also saw the largest annual increase of 2.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, wheat and meslin exports in value terms from Latin America and the Caribbean were not concentrated on a few key markets. Indonesia accounted for 11.3% of exports, Algeria for 7.2%, and Thailand for 3.8%, together representing only 22.3% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports wheat and meslin to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, K t

Wheat and meslin imports into Latin America and the Caribbean declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 20 869 K t, reflecting a slight 2.8% contraction compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 33.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 10.2%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 22 573 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 44.6%. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 4.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Canada, and Russia were the primary suppliers of wheat and meslin to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind terms. The United States accounted for 35.0% of imports, Canada for 25.4%, and Russia for 3.7%, together making up 64.1% of total imports.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Foreign wheat and meslin supplies to Latin America and the Caribbean declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 5 288 M $ US, showing a small 2.5% reduction compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 2.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 5 581 M $ US, which also saw the largest annual increase of 11.9%. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 2.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Canada, and Russia formed the main group of suppliers for wheat and meslin imports in value terms to Latin America and the Caribbean. The United States accounted for 35.1% of imports, Canada for 26.6%, and Russia for 3.5%, together representing 65.1% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020