Wheat and meslin market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The wheat and meslin market in Spain showed significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. After reaching 14.0 million tons in 2018, market volume dropped to 10.8 million tons in 2019. It then recovered to 11.8 million tons in 2020, supported by high barley and wheat production that year. Growth continued into 2021, reaching 12.2 million tons. However, in 2022, severe drought caused a 30% decline in the soft wheat harvest, and the war in Ukraine disrupted global supply chains, pushing international prices up by nearly 90% and reducing the market volume to 11.0 million tons. The following year saw a rebound to 13.6 million tons, driven by a surge in imports as wheat prices fell from their 2022 peaks.

Spain's wheat market is characterized by a structural deficit in soft wheat, with about half of the milling industry's needs met by imports. The EU's ban on genetically modified cereals further increases reliance on imports from countries like Argentina and the United States. Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) subsidies help maintain farmer viability by allowing sales at fixed prices above world market levels, buffering against foreign competition. In 2024, favorable climatic conditions and advanced agronomic practices led to record cereal yields, positioning Spain as a leading exporter of durum wheat within the EU.

Production wheat and meslin in Spain

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain ranked as the 20th largest producer of wheat and meslin globally.

Top producers of wheat and meslin, 2017-2020

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

The market showed significant volatility during this period. Production volumes fluctuated 1.7 times, reaching their lowest point in 2017 and peaking in 2018. In 2020, Spain produced 8 144 K t of wheat and meslin, representing a 34.8% increase compared to the previous year. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 8 323 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 27.4%, while the most substantial increase was in 2018, rising by 70.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Production value reached its lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the output of wheat and meslin in Spain was valued at 2 768 M $ US, reflecting a sharp increase of 61.0% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, falling by 29.5%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018, rising by 72.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports wheat and meslin from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

Wheat and meslin exports from Spain increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 522 K t, showing a modest rise of 3.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 99.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 25.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tunisia, Portugal, and Italy were the leading destinations for Spain's wheat and meslin exports in kind. Tunisia accounted for 35.5% of exports, Portugal for 18.5%, and Italy for 18.0%. Together, these three countries represented 72.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Wheat and meslin exports from Spain increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Spain exported 178 M $ US worth of wheat and meslin, marking a solid increase of 23.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 133.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 32.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Tunisia, Italy, and Portugal—collectively accounted for 68.7% of the total value of wheat and meslin exports from Spain.

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

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

Imports wheat and meslin to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

Spain's wheat and meslin import volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Spain imported approximately 4 139 K t of wheat and meslin, showing a strong decrease of 21.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 33%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 12.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Bulgaria, and Ukraine were the top suppliers of wheat and meslin to Spain in kind. France accounted for 27.2% of imports, Bulgaria for 20.2%, and Ukraine for 11.6%. Together, these three countries made up 59.0% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Wheat and meslin imports into Spain declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 951 M $ US, marking a strong fall of 12.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 21.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 341 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 18.7%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, rising by 11.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Bulgaria, and Ukraine were the largest suppliers of wheat and meslin to Spain in value terms. France accounted for 28.8% of imports, Bulgaria for 18.8%, and Ukraine for 10.5%. Together, these three countries formed 58.0% of total imports in value terms.

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

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