France Aims to Boost Wheat Exports as Morocco Weighs Russian Competition

The harvest period complicated by heavy rains in regions like Beauce, Grand Est and Centre did not negatively impact French wheat production. This production should reach 34.8 million tons this year, an increase of around 3.3% compared to 2022, reports La Croix. According to Alexandre Marie, analyst at the Agritel consulting firm, specialist in agricultural markets, this ensures that France can meet its domestic demand for soft wheat, which is still declining due to consumer prices that are still high. Part of this production (17 million tons) will be reserved for export.

Another positive point: the price of French wheat and that of Black Sea wheat were around $245 (€226) per ton at the beginning of the week. This makes French wheat competitive again. "This gap, close to zero, is also explained by a rise in the Russian price due to logistical tensions and maritime insecurity in the Black Sea," says Alexandre Marie. "This allows France to relaunch the conquest of its traditional markets." Notably Morocco and Algeria. These two main buyers outside the EU of France have recently increased their wheat supply from Russia.

This year, Russia produced 87.5 million tons of wheat, a decrease of 10 million tons from the harvest. Despite this decline, it retains not only its first place in the world market, but has also increased its exports. These should reach 49 million tons in 2023, or 23% of the world market. "The world still needs Russian production," recalls the Agritel expert.