Wheat and meslin market in Slovenia

Earlier Report Observations

Slovenia's wheat and meslin market volume grew to 257 thousand tons in 2019, supported by a 2% increase in sown winter wheat areas the previous year. The market then contracted over the next two years, falling to 173 thousand tons by 2021.

A recovery began in 2022, with the market reaching 211 thousand tons, and it surged to 282 thousand tons in 2023. This growth occurred despite a 7% drop in average wheat yields that year, caused by unfavorable weather which delayed the harvest and affected crop quality. Simultaneously, purchase prices for wheat fell below production costs, squeezing producer margins.

Fertilizer prices in 2024 were 30% higher than in 2020-2021, elevating production costs. Harvest operations were frequently interrupted by rain, although wheat collected promptly maintained good to excellent technological quality. The market continues to be shaped by major players like Panvita, which consumes all its wheat domestically, diverting lower-quality grain to animal feed and supplying millers and bakers with higher-quality wheat.

Production wheat and meslin in Slovenia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wheat and meslin, 2017-2020

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

Slovenia's wheat and meslin production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 158.2 K t of wheat and meslin, representing a year-on-year growth of 13.1%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 12.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 121.9 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 13.5%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 14.7% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Wheat and meslin production in Slovenia has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 34 943 K $ US, marking a measured increase of 4.1% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 9.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 29 247 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 8.1%. The largest increase was observed in 2019, with a 14.8% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Slovenia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports wheat and meslin from Slovenia

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year reduction, Slovenia's wheat and meslin export volume has increased. In 2020, exports reached 85.4 K t, showing a dramatic rise of 43.7% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 2.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 59.4 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 29.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy clearly dominated Slovenia's wheat and meslin exports in kind, accounting for 83.4% of total flows. Other countries each held significantly smaller shares during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Slovenia exported 18 858 K $ US of wheat and meslin in 2020, amounting to a sudden gain of 32.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 4.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 14 266 K $ US, while the highest was in 2018 at 20 295 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 29.7% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy remained the leading buyer of wheat and meslin from Slovenia, accounting for 80.7% of total exports in value terms. The rest was spread across many other countries.

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

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

Imports wheat and meslin to Slovenia

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year increase, Slovenia's volume of wheat and meslin imports has declined. In 2020, Slovenia imported 176.3 K t of wheat and meslin, reflecting a sharp contraction of 29.9% over the past year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 28.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 176.3 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 1.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary and Croatia together formed 88.3% of Slovenia's total wheat and meslin imports in kind, with Hungary accounting for 67.9% and Croatia for 20.4% of total flows. Other partners accounted for the remaining volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year increase, wheat and meslin shipments to Slovenia from abroad have declined. In 2020, imports came to 25 571 K $ US, down by 30.2% year-on-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 23.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 36 633 K $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 9.6% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary and Croatia dominated Slovenia's wheat and meslin imports in value terms, accounting together for 85.4% of total flows. Other destinations had smaller individual contributions.

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

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