Global wheat consumption projected at nearly 828 million tonnes

New Delhi: Anticipating increased consumption for animal feed and residual use in China and the European Union, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has raised its global wheat consumption forecast for the 2026-27 season by 1.2 million tonnes to 827.9 million tonnes in its new monthly (October) report.

According to the USDA report, total global wheat availability for the 2026-27 season—comprising carry-over stocks and production—could reach 1.10 billion tonnes, an increase of 0.9 million tonnes over the September forecast. While wheat production and stocks are expected to decline in some countries, Australia is projected to hold substantial carry-over stocks.

The report also raises the global wheat trade forecast by 2.8 million tonnes to 209 million tonnes. Although wheat exports from Russia, the US, and Ukraine are likely to decrease, shipments from Argentina and Canada are expected to rise. Ending stocks for the season could stand at 276 million tonnes. Trading conditions are expected to remain complex.