Production across the Middle East is projected at a record high in 2019/20. The largest year-to-year production increases in the region were for Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Yields in all three countries rebounded to record levels with much higher rainfall totals. Also contributing to the region’s higher production is Saudi Arabia, where wheat production has surged as a result of changing policy.
Previously, the government had in place an almost complete ban on wheat production to conserve water, but has more recently rescinded that policy in recognition of lower water use for wheat relative to forages. Turkey, which has production unchanged from last year’s bumper crop, continues to be the top producer in the region.
Interestingly, the higher Middle East production has outpaced the growth in consumption resulting in imports forecast at their lowest level in 3 years. The largest reduction in import demand is for Iraq with its larger crop. Projected imports are also lower for Iran and Syria for the same reason.
With abundant domestic supplies, Turkey’s imports are projected lower, but would still be the second-highest on record. Import demand there is expected to remain strong as Turkey’s Inward Processing Regime continues to provide an economic incentive to import wheat for the purposes of exporting flour.
Yemen has become an increasingly important market for Turkey’s flour exports. This is expected to continue as Yemen’s imports are projected unchanged in 2019/20. Iran’s wheat import ban remains in place, with exceptions made if the wheat is used to re-export as flour. Iran’s imports and exports are both expected to be relatively small in 2019/20.
Philippines Wheat Imports Surge on Growing Food and Feed Demand
The Philippines is the world’s third largest wheat importer, with imports more than doubling since 2013/14 as food and feed demand soar alongside its expanding population and developing economy. The United States continues to be the largest supplier; however, imports from Australia, Ukraine, and Russia have grown substantially.
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Consumption of wheat-based products, mainly bread and noodles, has surged in recent years. A competitive domestic milling sector and changing tastes and preferences have resulted in a gradual shift from rice consumption to wheat. U.S. exports to the Philippines have not only benefited from growing demand, but also from lower competition from Turkey. Since 2014, anti-dumping duties on Turkish flour shipments have helped the United States to maintain a majority share of the milling market.
As the livestock industry continues to expand and modernize, imported feed wheat has become an integral ingredient in feed rations in addition to domestically grown corn. Since 2008/09, demand for feed wheat has nearly quadrupled, providing a growing market for lower-priced supplies from Ukraine and Russia. However, rising regional concerns for the spread of animal disease have potential to impact feed imports.
