Wheat and meslin market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The wheat and meslin market in the Netherlands began the period with relative stability, as a dip in world production in 2018 pressured European yields and supported prices, while a subsequent global output increase in 2019 helped maintain supply. This stability was interrupted in 2020 when the market volume contracted sharply to 5 million tonnes, influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Black Sea region and drought in the United States, which disrupted trade flows and availability.

A rebound to 5.7 million tonnes occurred in 2021, fueled by ample global supply and favorable planting conditions in exporting regions like Ukraine, which enhanced import volumes. The market then fell again to 4.9 million tonnes in 2022 as wheat prices reached their highest level in years, stimulating domestic planting but reducing the attractiveness of imports, with further pressure from conflict in the Middle East and high oil prices.

By 2023, the market volume stabilized near 4.9 million tonnes. Expectations of a larger Dutch and EU harvest improved market prospects, while declining global wheat stocks and a weaker euro reinforced the competitive position of European wheat on the international market.

Production wheat and meslin in the Netherlands

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wheat and meslin, 2017-2020

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

In 2019, wheat and meslin production in the Netherlands reached its peak at 1 131 thousand tonnes, marking a significant 17.5% increase. However, by 2020, production had fallen sharply to 932 thousand tonnes, representing a 17.6% decline compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 11.6%, which translates to an average annual reduction of 4.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, wheat and meslin production in the Netherlands experienced a downturn. In 2019, output peaked at 299.6 million US dollars, reflecting an 8.0% rise. By 2020, this had dropped to 249.0 million US dollars, a substantial 16.9% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 8%, averaging a 2.7% annual decline.

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

Exports wheat and meslin from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

The Netherlands has seen a decline in wheat and meslin export volumes for three consecutive years. In 2020, exports amounted to 249 thousand tonnes, a steep 26.1% drop compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 39.1%, equating to an average annual reduction of 15.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom were the primary destinations for wheat and meslin exports from the Netherlands. Belgium accounted for 41.4% of exports in kind, Germany for 36.6%, and the United Kingdom for 6.5%. Together, these three countries represented 84.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Wheat and meslin exports from the Netherlands have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, export value stood at 67 million US dollars, which is 25.5% lower than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 36.6%, with an average annual decline of 14.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom remained the key buyers of wheat and meslin from the Netherlands in value terms. Belgium contributed 38.2% of export value, Germany 36.6%, and the United Kingdom 7.0%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 81.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports wheat and meslin to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

Wheat and meslin import volumes into the Netherlands have fallen for two consecutive years. In 2018, imports peaked at 5 554 thousand tonnes, a 7.1% increase. By 2020, imports had decreased to 4 307 thousand tonnes, down 18.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 16.9%, with an average annual reduction of 6.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Belgium were the main sources of wheat and meslin imports into the Netherlands. France supplied 44.8% of imports in kind, Germany 24.8%, and Belgium 12.6%. Combined, these three countries made up 82.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The Netherlands has experienced a decline in wheat and meslin import values for two straight years. In 2018, imports reached a high of 1 184 million US dollars, a 15.8% increase. By 2020, import value had fallen to 955 million US dollars, representing a 16.4% decrease from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 6.5%, averaging a 2.2% annual decline.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Belgium led as the top suppliers of wheat and meslin to the Netherlands in value terms. France accounted for 43.1% of import value, Germany for 26.0%, and Belgium for 13.2%. Together, these three suppliers represented 82.3% of total import value.

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

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