Major Wheat-Producing Nations in 2024/25
Among the most vital crops in the world is wheat. It is the second most widely grown cereal grain in the world, after maize (corn). When it comes to food for people, it is also the second most produced after rice and corn. However, what makes wheat stand out is that it is the most traded crop in the world. While maize and rice are produced in larger amounts, most of these crops are consumed where they are grown. Wheat, on the other hand, is shipped across continents, linking farmers in one part of the world to bakers and consumers thousands of kilometers away.
Wheat's significance extends well beyond its use in global trade. For billions of people, it is an essential staple diet. A significant portion of the calories and nutrients in the globe come from wheat, which is also a significant source of protein, carbs, and important vitamins and minerals. It is therefore a crucial component of global food security. Many nations are able to produce wheat because of its great adaptability, which allows it to grow in a variety of temperatures and geographical areas. In terms of the economy, wheat cultivation sustains millions of jobs and makes a substantial contribution to national incomes.
Producers and Importers
Even though wheat is grown in many countries, most of the global production comes from a small group of major producers. In the 2024/2025 season, the top 10 wheat-producing countries dominated global output. China led the way, producing 18% of the world's wheat with 140.1 million metric tons. The European Union followed closely with 15% (122.12 million metric tons), and India came third with 14% (113.29 million metric tons). Russia was the fourth-largest producer, contributing 10% (81.6 million metric tons), while the United States accounted for 7% (53.65 million metric tons).
Other key producers included Canada, Australia, and Pakistan, each making up about 4% of global production. Canada produced 34.96 million metric tons, Australia 34.11 million, and Pakistan 31.44 million. Ukraine, producing 3% (23.4 million metric tons), and Turkey, producing 2% (19 million metric tons), completed the top 10 list. This concentration of production in a few countries means that any disruptions in these regions, such as bad weather, political instability, or trade restrictions, can have a big impact on global wheat supply and prices.
While some countries produce more wheat than they need and sell the rest abroad, others rely heavily on imports. Between 2014/2015 and 2024/2025, global wheat trade patterns shifted noticeably. Egypt has long been one of the largest wheat importers, regularly bringing in more than 12 million metric tons a year. Indonesia, Algeria, and the European Union have also maintained high and steady import levels over the years.
China's import story is especially striking. After 2018/2019, the country's wheat imports rose sharply, reaching more than 13 million metric tons in 2022/2023 before dropping slightly. Turkey's imports also saw big swings, peaking above 12 million metric tons in 2022/2023 but expected to fall sharply by 2024/2025.
Nigeria and Mexico showed moderate but steady demand, while the Philippines and Morocco experienced noticeable growth. Morocco's imports, for example, nearly doubled in six years, from 3.7 million metric tons in 2018/2019 to a projected 7.5 million in 2024/2025. Dietary changes, economic expansion, crop losses due to weather, and regional variations in trade policies are all reflected in these shifts.
Exports and Market Risks
Exports are just as concentrated as production. In 2025, Russia was the world's top wheat exporter, holding 16% of the global market. Australia came next with 15.8%, followed closely by Canada at 15%. The United States ranked fourth with 10.4%, while France took fifth place with 6.7%. Together, these five countries accounted for more than 63% of all wheat exports worldwide. This supremacy means that global wheat trade depends heavily on the harvests and export policies of just a few nations.
Wheat serves as the base of the world's food chain and is more than just another crop. It is one of the world's most strategically important agricultural crops since it feeds billions of people, sustains economies, and links markets across continents. But this significance also has risks. Geopolitical unrest, market disruptions, and climate change can all have an immediate impact on wheat pricing and supply. Food security in nations that rely on imports may be at risk due to such shocks.
The issue going forward will be to maintain the stability and resilience of wheat production and trading. This essential crop can be shielded from future uncertainty with investments in fair trade, improved storage, and sustainable production.
