In the 2024/2025 marketing year, the top consumers of wheat globally were China, India, and the European Union. China consumed about 151 million metric tons of wheat that year. Wheat consumption worldwide is slowly increasing, growing by about eight percent since 2018/2019. Wheat production and trade Not only do they consume the most wheat, but China, the EU, and India are also the leading producers of wheat worldwide. Chine led global production, with about 136.6 million metric tons in 2023/24. Despite being a top producer, China also imports a great deal of wheat. In 2022, China imported about 3.8 billion U.S. dollars’ worth of wheat. Egypt has been one of the leading importer of wheat worldwide for the last several years. Wheat price Prices around the world have risen as of 2022. Many believe that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is to blame for the rising wheat prices and others believe it is the speculation of an impending food crisis that is driving up demand. The price of the most common variety of wheat grown in the U.S., hard red winter wheat, reached an all-time high in May 2022, reaching over 522 dollars per metric ton. Globally, the real household income is expected to decline by about 1.57 percent due to the increased cost of wheat and corn. Some countries will experience a decline of over five percent, showing the real impact that growing prices have on consumers across the world.

In the marketing year 2024/2025, China was the leading wheat producing country with production volume of about ***** million metric tons. This was followed by the European Union with production volume of over *** million metric tons. Wheat productionWheat is the second most important grain that is cultivated in the United States, following only corn. Wheat is a cereal crop that can be classified into five major classes. These 5 wheat categories are comprised of: hard red winter, hard red spring, soft red winter, white and durum wheat. Each class has a different end-use and the cultivation tends to be region-specific. Hard red winter wheat is mainly cultivated in the Great Plains area ranging from Montana to Texas. This type is primarily used for the manufacturing of bread flour. Hard red spring wheat is mainly grown in the Northern Plains area. Their wheat ears are mostly taken for protein blending uses. Durum wheat, which is primarily grown in North Dakota and Montana, is well-known for their excellent qualities for producing pasta. The wheat class everyone is familiar with from their breakfast cereal is known as white wheat.Almost every U.S. state is involved in agricultural production of wheat. The latest figures show that North Dakota, Kansas and Montana were the leading wheat producing states among the United States.

China Consumption of Food per Capita: RH: Grain (Unprocessed): Wheat data was reported at 52.325 kg in 2012. This records a decrease from the previous number of 54.750 kg for 2011. China Consumption of Food per Capita: RH: Grain (Unprocessed): Wheat data is updated yearly, averaging 72.390 kg from Dec 1985 (Median) to 2012, with 17 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 81.490 kg in 1995 and a record low of 52.325 kg in 2012. China Consumption of Food per Capita: RH: Grain (Unprocessed): Wheat data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Household Survey – Table CN.HD: Consumption of Food per Capita.

In 2023/24, Australia produced about 25.5 million metric tons of wheat. China was the top ranked wheat producing country in that year and is expected to remain as the top producer in 2024/25. Wheat production The European Union yielded more than 134 million metric tons of wheat between 2022 and 2023, accounting for almost one-fifth of the world wheat production. In 2022, the UK produced approximately 15.5 million metric tons of wheat, valued at approximately four billion British pounds. Flour millers from this region prefer the use of homegrown wheat to imported wheat. The fifth-ranked Unites States had allotted almost 50 million acres of land for wheat cultivation but only harvested some 37 million acres of wheat in 2023. In 2021, approximately 14.6 billion U.S. dollars’ worth of wheat was produced in the country. North Dakota, Kansas, and Montana were recently the leading wheat producing U.S. federal states.

Global consumption of wheat saw a slight increase over the last year, with just under 798 million metric tons consumed in the 2023/24 trade year. In the 2024/2025 trade year, it is expected that about four million metric tons more will be consumed. Global wheat production Wheat is the second most produced type of grain worldwide, only surpassed by corn. In 2022/23, it is forecast that about 784 million metric tons of wheat will be produced globally. China, the European Union, and India were expected to the leading producers of wheat that year, each exceeding one million metric tons in production. Rise of gluten-free diets Wheat is a staple in many diets, as it is a good source of carbohydrates and can be used to make many food items, such as bread, pasta, and other baked goods. Products made from wheat flour are very high in gluten, meaning those who restrict gluten in their diet need to find an alternative. As of June 2023, 11 percent of U.S. consumers reported following a gluten-free diet. Per capita food use of wheat is not expected to dramatically decrease during this period, though.

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Wheat Market Size 2025-2029

The wheat market size is forecast to increase by USD 87.6 billion at a CAGR of 4.6% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant shifts driven by several key trends and challenges. The growing vegan population represents a notable trend, as an increasing number of consumers adopt plant-based diets, leading to a higher demand for wheat-based food products and supplements. Simultaneously, the expansion of retail stores offering organic wheat-based supplements caters to the health-conscious consumer segment, further fueling market growth. The market plays a significant role in the global food industry, with its production and consumption influencing various sectors such as food manufacturing, food retail, and food service. However, the market faces challenges due to climate change and unpredictable weather patterns. Extreme weather conditions, such as droughts and heavy rainfall, can negatively impact wheat production, leading to supply chain disruptions and price volatility.
These challenges necessitate strategic planning and adaptability from market players to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality wheat products and maintain competitiveness. Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities and navigate challenges effectively must focus on innovation, sustainability, and risk management strategies. Durum wheat, a key component in pasta and craft beer production, is also gaining attention, and will subsequently help with market expansion in the coming years. 

What will be the Size of the Wheat Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The market encompasses various aspects, including gluten-free wheat, grain drying, and farming practices. Farmers employ precision agriculture to optimize wheat production, while grain drying ensures optimal moisture levels before storage in silos. Flour fortification enhances nutritional value, and flour milling technology, such as roller mills and stone mills, transforms wheat into various products like pasta and bread. Grain transportation and handling are crucial components, with grain elevators facilitating efficient movement. Grain inspection ensures grain quality, and certification guarantees adherence to industry standards. Wheat-based products, including bakery items, require careful flour blending and gluten content control. Wheat industry trends lean towards organic and non-GMO production, sustainability, and innovation in flour milling technology. The market is expected to witness notable expansion due to its increasing use in various industries, including food and animal feed.
Grain cleaning and grain storage are essential for maintaining grain quality and mitigating wheat price volatility. Pastry making and bread making continue to be significant applications, with the bakery industry driving demand for high-quality wheat and flour. Flour milling technology advances, such as grain inspection and grain handling systems, contribute to improved grain quality control. The market outlook remains positive, with ongoing research and development in wheat farming practices and wheat substitutes.

How is this Wheat Industry segmented?

The wheat industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Application

  Human
  Feed


Type

  Hard red winter
  Hard red spring
  Soft red winter
  Others


Distribution Channel

  Direct sales (B2B)
  Retail stores
  Online platforms


Geography

  North America

    US


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Russia
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Indonesia
    Pakistan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Application Insights

The human segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Wheat, a significant global staple food, is renowned for its high carbohydrate content, primarily in the form of starch. Beyond its carbohydrate value, wheat offers essential nutrients, including protein, vitamins, soluble fiber, and phytochemicals. Consequently, wheat-based foods are popular worldwide, catering to both human consumption and industrial applications. These include refined wheat flour, pasta, noodles, beverages like wheat beer and malted milk, and various other processed goods. Wheat farming involves the use of fertilizers, herbicides, and water for optimal growth. Diseases and pests pose challenges to production, necessitating ongoing research and innovation. Winter and spring wheat varieties are cultivated, with spring wheat being more commonly used for food products due to its higher protein content.

Wheat proce

China Buyout Price: Avg of Grain with Different Grades: Red Wheat data was reported at 125.020 RMB/50 kg in Dec 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 125.110 RMB/50 kg for Nov 2024. China Buyout Price: Avg of Grain with Different Grades: Red Wheat data is updated monthly, averaging 114.925 RMB/50 kg from Jan 2007 (Median) to Dec 2024, with 216 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 146.600 RMB/50 kg in Feb 2023 and a record low of 69.320 RMB/50 kg in Jan 2007. China Buyout Price: Avg of Grain with Different Grades: Red Wheat data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Price Monitoring Center, NDRC. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PA: Price Monitoring Center, NDRC: Buyout Price: Agricultural Product.

IntroductionThe combined populations of China and India were 2.78 billion in 2020, representing 36% of the world population (7.75 billion). Wheat is the second most important staple grain in both China and India. In 2019, the aggregate wheat consumption in China was 96.4 million ton and in India it was 82.5 million ton, together it was more than 35% of the world's wheat that year. In China, in 2050, the projected population will be 1294–1515 million, and in India, it is projected to be 14.89–1793 million, under the low and high-fertility rate assumptions. A question arises as to, what will be aggregate demand for wheat in China and India in 2030 and 2050?MethodsApplying the Vector Error Correction model estimation process in the time series econometric estimation setting, this study projected the per capita and annual aggregate wheat consumptions of China and India during 2019-2050. In the process, this study relies on agricultural data sourced from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States (FAO) database (FAOSTAT), as well as the World Bank's World Development Indicators (WDI) data catalog. The presence of unit root in the data series are tested by applying the augmented Dickey-Fuller test; Philips-Perron unit root test; Kwiatkowski-Phillips-Schmidt-Shin test, and Zivot-Andrews Unit Root test allowing for a single break in intercept and/or trend. The test statistics suggest that a natural log transformation and with the first difference of the variables provides stationarity of the data series for both China and India. The Zivot-Andrews Unit Root test, however, suggested that there is a structural break in urban population share and GDP per capita. To tackle the issue, we have included a year dummy and two multiplicative dummies in our model. Furthermore, the Johansen cointegration test suggests that at least one variable in both data series were cointegrated. These tests enable us to apply Vector Error Correction (VEC) model estimation procedure. In estimation the model, the appropriate number of lags of the variables is confirmed by applying the “varsoc” command in Stata 17 software interface. The estimated yearly per capita wheat consumption in 2030 and 2050 from the VEC model, are multiplied by the projected population in 2030 and 2050 to calculate the projected aggregate wheat demand in China and India in 2030 and 2050. After projecting the yearly per capita wheat consumption (KG), we multiply with the projected population to get the expected consumption demand.ResultsThis study found that the yearly per capita wheat consumption of China will increase from 65.8 kg in 2019 to 76 kg in 2030, and 95 kg in 2050. In India, the yearly per capita wheat consumption will increase to 74 kg in 2030 and 94 kg in 2050 from 60.4 kg in 2019. Considering the projected population growth rates under low-fertility assumptions, aggregate wheat consumption of China will increase by more than 13% in 2030 and by 28% in 2050. Under the high-fertility rate assumption, however the aggregate wheat consumption of China will increase by 18% in 2030 and nearly 50% in 2050. In the case of India, under both low and high-fertility rate assumptions, aggregate wheat demand in India will increase by 32-38% in 2030 and by 70-104% in 2050 compared to 2019 level of consumption.DiscussionsOur results underline the importance of wheat in both countries, which are the world's top wheat producers and consumers, and suggest the importance of research and development investments to maintain sufficient national wheat grain production levels to meet China and India's domestic demand. This is critical both to ensure the food security of this large segment of the world populace, which also includes 23% of the total population of the world who live on less than US $1.90/day, as well as to avoid potential grain market destabilization and price hikes that arise in the event of large import demands.

China Import: Wheat data was reported at 858.046 USD mn in 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1.083 USD bn for 2017. China Import: Wheat data is updated yearly, averaging 858.046 USD mn from Dec 1984 (Median) to 2018, with 35 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.581 USD bn in 1989 and a record low of 14.798 USD mn in 2008. China Import: Wheat data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by General Administration of Customs. The data is categorized under Global Database’s China – Table CN.JA: Trade: Annual.

China's wheat import delays of 600,000 metric tons, mainly from Australia, affect global markets. Learn about the implications for Australian exports and worldwide wheat prices.

CN: Sown Area: Grain Crops: Cereal: Wheat: Spring Wheat data was reported at 1,084.800 ha th in 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1,177.120 ha th for 2022. CN: Sown Area: Grain Crops: Cereal: Wheat: Spring Wheat data is updated yearly, averaging 2,592.740 ha th from Dec 1978 (Median) to 2023, with 45 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5,193.530 ha th in 1980 and a record low of 1,084.800 ha th in 2023. CN: Sown Area: Grain Crops: Cereal: Wheat: Spring Wheat data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Agriculture Sector – Table CN.RIB: Sown Area: Farm Crops.

In 2025, the amount of wheat consumed in China stood at 148M tons, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. The revenue of the wheat market in China reduced to $50.3B in 2025, falling by -13% against the previous year.

1003 Global export shipment records of Wheat Flour with prices, volume & current Buyer's suppliers relationships based on actual Global export trade database.

China Settlement Price: ZCE: Strong Wheat: 4th Month data was reported at 3,198.000 RMB/Ton in 13 May 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 3,198.000 RMB/Ton for 12 May 2025. China Settlement Price: ZCE: Strong Wheat: 4th Month data is updated daily, averaging 2,715.000 RMB/Ton from Sep 2003 (Median) to 13 May 2025, with 5269 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3,649.000 RMB/Ton in 09 Nov 2022 and a record low of 2,116.000 RMB/Ton in 02 Sep 2019. China Settlement Price: ZCE: Strong Wheat: 4th Month data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange. The data is categorized under High Frequency Database’s Commodity Prices and Futures – Table CN.ZB: Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange: Commodity Futures: Settlement Price: Daily.

Learn about the top producers of wheat in the world, including China, India, Russia, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Discover the factors that influence wheat production levels and the importance of global wheat supply for food security.

China Import: Grain Food: Cereal & Cereal Flour: Wheat: Wheat Flour data was reported at 18.809 Ton th in Jun 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 16.478 Ton th for May 2018. China Import: Grain Food: Cereal & Cereal Flour: Wheat: Wheat Flour data is updated monthly, averaging 0.000 Ton th from Jan 1993 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 306 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 39.443 Ton th in Jan 2018 and a record low of 0.000 Ton th in Dec 2007. China Import: Grain Food: Cereal & Cereal Flour: Wheat: Wheat Flour data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by General Administration of Customs. The data is categorized under Global Database’s China – Table CN.JA: Import by Major Commodity: Quantity.

China Exports of wheat or meslin flour to Canada was US$73.99 Thousand during 2022, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. China Exports of wheat or meslin flour to Canada - data, historical chart and statistics - was last updated on July of 2025.

3752 Global import shipment records of Wheat with prices, volume & current Buyer's suppliers relationships based on actual Global export trade database.

This statistic shows the total value of wheat produced in the United States from 2000 to 2024. The value of U.S. wheat production amounted to about 10.93 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. Wheat production The United States was the fifth-largest global wheat producer during the 2021/2022 marketing year, after China, the European Union, India, and Russia. The country’s wheat production has fluctuated over the past decade, however. Until 2016, U.S. agriculturists and farmers harvested over two billion bushels of wheat annually. Harvests dropped slightly in subsequent years. During the past two years, North Dakota and Kansas were the key wheat-producing U.S. federal states. North Dakota yielded about 299.9 million bushels of wheat in 2022, overtaking the 244.2 million bushels in Kansas. In 2020, North Dakota's wheat harvest was valued at roughly 1.4 billion U.S. dollars. Wheat trade The United States was the fifth-leading exporting country of wheat, flour and wheat products during the 2021/2022 period. In 2020, the Philippines, Mexico, and Japan, were the nation’s main wheat export partners. Around 3.37 million metric tons of U.S. wheat were exported to the Philippines that year. Mexico was the primary destination for U.S. wheat flour exports, with a volume of about 205 thousand metric tons.

China is the world's biggest producer of wheat, thanks to factors such as its vast agricultural land, favorable climate, government support, abundant water resources, and investment in research and development. This article explores how China dominates wheat production, including its export of surplus wheat and its continued position as the largest producer despite growth in other countries.