By Jamie Martin
The 2024/25 marketing year marked a strong rebound for U.S. wheat exports, which climbed 16% to 820 million bushels. This recovery was largely due to increased production, improved weather, and competitive global pricing.
According to the USDA’s June 2025 WASDE report, wheat was harvested on 38.5 million acres, and production rose 9% year-over-year to 1.97 billion bushels. This followed years of drought that reduced yields and global market share.
Mexico retained its spot as the largest buyer, importing 147 million bushels. In April alone, U.S. exports to Mexico reached a record 17.3 million bushels. South Korea also reached a record with 88.2 million bushels purchased, much of it Soft White (SW) wheat.
Hard Red Winter (HRW) wheat exports increased 57%, totaling 210 million bushels due to stronger yields and better pricing. Soft Red Winter (SRW) exports reached 121 million bushels, second highest in a decade. Soft White (SW) wheat rose 18% to 174 million bushels, benefiting from favorable growing conditions.
Hard Red Spring (HRS) wheat exports rose to 250 million bushels, despite strong competition from Canadian suppliers. Meanwhile, durum wheat exports fell to just 14.4 million bushels, although U.S. quality remained high.
Global conditions such as supply tightness and price shifts also played a role. The current global wheat stocks-to-use ratio stands at 32%, the lowest since 2007/08, suggesting increased demand ahead.
“These trends show the resilience of U.S. wheat farmers and the value of a strong domestic supply,” noted USDA experts in the report.
Overall, U.S. wheat producers have demonstrated the ability to bounce back and remain competitive in the global market, reinforcing the country’s role as a reliable grain supplier.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ygrek
Categories: National