By Scout Nelson
The 2025 to 2026 marketing year ended on May 31, 2026, with strong performance in U.S. wheat export sales. Final export inspections reached 23.7 million metric tons, or about 871 million bushels. This marks an increase of nearly 15 percent compared to the previous year and represents the highest export level since 2020 to the 2021 marketing year.
This growth provided important support to agriculture during a period of low farmgate prices. However, the success of the year was not only about the total volume exported but also the diversity of markets. U.S. wheat was sold to more than 55 countries, showing strong global demand and trust in its quality.
Exports performed well across both traditional buyers and newer markets. Core markets continued to steady purchases even as prices increased later in the season. At the same time, emerging and price-sensitive markets also increased imports. This balance highlights the strength and resilience of the U.S. wheat export system.
“U.S. wheat continued to move steadily into global markets despite a year marked by geopolitical uncertainty, volatile freight costs and intense competition from other exporting origins,” said Brian Liedl, U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) vice president of overseas operations. “In a year where there were record or near-record crops in almost every major wheat exporting country, U.S. wheat found its place in the market.”
Hard red winter (HRW) wheat, mainly grown in Kansas, showed especially strong performance. Export sales of HRW reached 8.67 million metric tons, rising by 58 percent compared to the previous year. Mexico remained the largest buyer, followed by Japan, South Korea, and Colombia. Emerging markets like Nigeria, Venezuela, and Indonesia also showed large increases in purchases.
This growth reflects years of building strong trade relationships and providing technical support and education to buyers. It also shows the importance of maintaining a wide customer base. While long-standing markets offer stable demand, new markets create fresh opportunities for growth.
Looking ahead to the 2026 to 2027 marketing year, early export sales have already crossed 3.0 million metric tons. As wheat harvest begins in the southern United States, experts remain hopeful about continued export success. Maintaining strong global connections and adapting to changing market conditions will be key in sustaining this growth.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-bobex-73
Categories: Kansas, Business, Crops, Wheat