Egypt, Indonesia set for close race as world’s top wheat importer in 2025/2026

Global wheat trade will see a tight race in the 2025/2026 season as Egypt and Indonesia compete for the title of the world’s largest wheat importer.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) expects both countries to import about 13 million tons of wheat by the end of the marketing season next June. This level places the two markets at the center of global wheat demand and strengthens their role in shaping trade flows.

Egypt remains Africa’s largest wheat consumer and ranks among the biggest buyers in the world. The country relies heavily on wheat to support its subsidized bread program, which supplies baladi bread to millions of citizens.

USDA forecasts show that Egypt could set a new import record if purchases reach 13 million tons. The country has already imported more than 12 million tons in each of the past two years. Population growth continues to push demand higher as the country now has more than 108 million people.

Local production will rise slightly in the coming season. Farmers will likely harvest about 9.2 million tons in 2025/2026 after the government expanded planted areas and offered attractive purchase prices. However, this output will still fall short of the country’s projected consumption of more than 20 million tons.