Wheat groats and meal market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish wheat groats and meal market volume increased from 291.6 thousand tonnes in 2021 to 350.7 thousand tonnes in 2023, a growth largely attributed to a sharp drop in exports during 2022. This upward trend continued in 2023 as the industry launched new product lines adapted to rising demand for whole grains and less refined flours. In value terms, the market peaked at 225.5 million US dollars in 2022, reflecting higher cereal prices.

By 2024, market volume contracted to 296.1 thousand tonnes (160.4 million US dollars), coinciding with global cereal price volatility and reduced imports of Russian fertilizers noted in sector reports. Throughout the period, the industry maintained excess milling capacity and stable flour and semolina exports to Africa and the Middle East, while operating under Royal Decree 677/2016, which set mandatory quality and labeling standards for flour and semola in Spain.

Production wheat groats and meal in Spain

According to Faostat, there is no production of wheat groats and meal in Spain.

Exports wheat groats and meal from Spain

Exports in kind, t

In 2019, Spain's exports of wheat groats and meal reached their lowest point at 86 222 tons, declining by 5.2% from the previous year. However, by 2020, deliveries rebounded to 94 188 tons, marking a moderate increase of 9.2% compared to 2019. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 6%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Mali, and Senegal remained the primary buyers of wheat groats and meal from Spain. France accounted for 37.7% of exports in kind, Mali for 18.5%, and Senegal for 9.0%. Together, these three countries represented 65.1% of Spain's total exports in kind during this period.

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, K $ US

In 2019, Spain's exports of wheat groats and meal in value terms hit a low of 34 545 thousand US dollars, falling by 12.7% from the previous year. By 2020, exports surged to 43 794 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp increase of 26.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 span, exports in value terms rose by 20.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, France, Mali, and Senegal continued to be the key partners for Spain's exports in value terms. France made up 41.2% of exports, Mali 16.4%, and Senegal 8.3%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 65.9% of Spain's total export flows in value.

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 groats and meal to Spain

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility from 2017 to 2020. In 2019, imports of wheat groats and meal to Spain reached their minimum at 8 299 tons, after a decline of 4.2% in 2018. By 2020, imports jumped to 14 314 tons, representing a significant increase of 72.5% compared to 2019. Overall, imports varied by 1.7 times between the low in 2019 and the high in 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for Spain's imports of wheat groats and meal in kind were Portugal, France, and Belgium. Portugal contributed 53.9% of imports, France 22.1%, and Belgium 12.4%. Together, these three countries accounted for 88.5% of Spain's total import flows in kind during this period.

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, K $ US

Market behavior was volatile during these years. In 2017, imports in value terms were at their lowest point, while 2020 saw a peak. By 2020, Spain's imports of wheat groats and meal totaled 4 270 thousand US dollars, up by 81.3% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 6.9%. Overall, imports changed by 2.1 times between the trough in 2017 and the peak in 2020.

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

In 2017-2020, three principal markets—Portugal, Italy, and France—dominated Spain's imports of wheat groats and meal in value terms. Together, they accounted for 78.7% of total imports during this period.

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

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