Black Sea wheat in Algeria’s market. Chances of success

French wheat producers and exporters are seriously worried about Russia’s possible entry into the market of Algeria. Algeria annually imports 7-8 MMT of wheat, mostly from France. However, in 2018, the country declared the necessity to diversify its imports. French wheat faced competition from Argentina.

Out of Black Sea wheat, Algeria only imported one 12.6 KMT cargo of Ukrainian feed wheat in August 2018. Ukraine shipped 106-165 KMT of wheat to Algeria in the previous two seasons, reports UkrAgroConsult.

The prospects of grain supplies from Russia are being studied now.

Both Russia and France expanded wheat plantings for the 2019 harvest, therefore wheat supply will increase unless some weather adversities occur. At the same time, the Black Sea region usually offers grain at better prices. 

French traders are worried that Russia may boost wheat imports in the first half of the 2019/20 season and Argentina may do the same in its second half. This scenario envisages a significant reshuffle in the wheat market of France.

More detailed information on the latest trends in grain exports, supply and demand balances with breakdown by crop, price behavior, crop conditions and progress in harvesting/planting in the countries of Black Sea Region is available to subscribers for weekly market report "Black Sea Grain" by UkrAgroConsult.