EU Soft Wheat Exports Fall Sharply in Early 2026/27 Season

European Union soft wheat exports for the 2026/27 season have started significantly slower than the previous year, with shipments totaling 1.01 million metric tons as of August 9. Data released Tuesday by the European Commission shows this figure is less than half the 2.36 million tons exported during the corresponding period in the 2025/26 season.

Grains Data Overview

The Commission's report detailed trade figures for other key grains, also showing a notable decrease in barley exports while maize imports have risen.

• Soft Wheat Exports: Stood at 1.01 million tons, compared to 2.36 million tons a year earlier.
• Barley Exports: Reached 0.36 million tons, a steep decline from 1.88 million tons in the same weeks of the prior season.
• Maize Imports: Totaled 1.58 million tons, an increase from 1.26 million tons a year ago.

Data Gaps Affect Totals

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It is important to note that the reliability of these early-season figures is impacted by incomplete reporting. The European Commission specified that its grain export data has been missing information from France since the start of 2024.

Furthermore, data gaps have persisted for Bulgaria and Ireland since the beginning of the 2023/24 marketing year, and for Greece since January 2026. These reporting issues mean the published totals may be subject to significant future revisions.

Market Implications

The slow start to the EU's export campaign will be closely monitored by global grain markets. Traders will assess whether the lag reflects weaker international demand, stronger competition from other major exporters, or logistical issues within the bloc. The incomplete nature of the data, particularly from a major exporter like France, adds a layer of uncertainty to early market analysis.