In February Ukraine exported to EU more than 1.5 mln tonnes of wheat, which is 27% of the total forecasted EU wheat import in 2017/18 MY (5.5 mln tonnes). This figure in February of 2016/17 MY reached 658 thsd tonnes, which is 12% of the total EU import (5.3 mln tonnes). In 2016/17 MY the total Ukrainian wheat export to EU amounted to 1.1 mln tonnes (21% of the total EU import).
The main importers among EU countries are Spain (more than 1.0 mln tonnes which is 3.4 times higher year-on-year), Italy (328 thsd tonnes; +65% y-o-y), Netherlands (82.1 thsd tonnes; +3.3 times y-o-y), Greece (30.8 thsd tonnes; +2 times y-o-y). The Ukrainian wheat was exported into 15 EU countries. This also includes the shipping into France (2.2 thsd tonnes) and Denmark (3.1 thsd tonnes) in comparison with no export in 2016/17 MY.
The surplus of the export from Ukraine into EU is observed despite the fact that EU is one of the TOP-3 wheat exporters. Moreover, EU wheat production in 2017/18 MY is 4% higher year-on-year according to USDA (151.6 mln tonnes versus 145.2 mln tonnes). Thus, in terms of high share of the total wheat import by EU, the Ukrainian wheat has a high competitiveness on the global market.
You can receive more detailed information about global trends on the global grain market, by visiting the XVII international conference Grain & Maritime Days (May 24-26).