Global Wheat and Maize Production Forecast to Decline

25-Mar-2026 05:53 PM

Chicago. Citing the likelihood of weak yields in several key producing nations, the International Grains Council (IGC) has projected a decline in global wheat and maize production for the upcoming season.

According to the Council's report, compared to the 2025-26 season, global wheat production during the 2026-27 season is estimated to fall from 845 million tonnes to 822 million tonnes, while maize production is projected to drop from 1.32 billion tonnes to 1.30 billion tonnes.

Conversely, the Council has projected that global wheat consumption will rise from 825 million tonnes in the 2025-26 season to reach 829 million tonnes in the 2026-27 season. Since global wheat utilization is expected to exceed production, carryover stocks are anticipated to decrease; these stocks could shrink by approximately 4 million tonnes,

settling at 276 million tonnes. Major wheat-producing nations include China, India, the European Union, Russia, the United States, Canada, Australia, Ukraine, and Argentina, among others. With the exception of China and India, all the aforementioned countries are regular exporters of wheat. Wheat harvesting has already commenced in India.

As for maize, global trade in this commodity is estimated to increase by 3 million tonnes—rising from 195 million tonnes in the 2025-26 season—to reach 198 million tonnes in the 2026-27 season.

The United States, China, and Brazil are the top three producing nations, while in terms of exports, the United States ranks first and Brazil ranks second. Other maize-producing countries include Argentina, India, Ukraine, and Russia. This coarse grain is also produced in numerous other nations.