Shipping delays in the U.S. and EU wheat food aid programs, coupled with the lowest level of global import demand in the past decade, has resulted in a 1.5 million ton reduction in each export forecast this month. However, forecast 1998/99 exports by the United States and the European Union of 28.5 and 16.5 million tons, respectively, remain above last year's level.

In addition to the delayed food aid shipments, lower EU exports are due to reduced import demand for flour and products. This is particularly the case in the Mediterranean Basin (typical EU markets) where improvements in the size and efficiency of the milling industry are creating more demand for wheat, thus displacing flour and products.

Executive Summary

Foreign Countries' Policies and Programs

U.S. Soft Winter wheat exports have dwindled with the loss of the few big, past markets

Highly dependent on foreign wheat supplies, Bolivia strains to overcome market difficulties.

Low wheat prices in the EU cause feed use to surge to new record level during 1998/99.

In its effort to conserve water, Egypt has not succeeded in limiting irrigated rice acreage.

The United States faces increased competition in the Japanese rice market.

Situation and Outlook: Commentary and Current Data

Wheat

Rice

Coarse Grains

Historical Data Tables: Selected Regions and Countries

Adobe Acrobat Format

Lotus Spreadsheet Format

General Footnotes for Grain Tables

Grain and Feed Contact List

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Last modified: Thursday, November 13, 2003