The export of wheat and flour from Serbia recorded solid results at the beginning of the new economic year. In July, 106,000 tons of wheat were exported, while in August, 146,000 tons were exported, mostly to Romania and Italy. As for flour, 15,600 tons were exported in July, while in August that number was reduced to 11,700 tons. The main buyers of flour are traditionally Montenegro, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In the last economic year, from July 2023 to June 2024, Serbia sold a total of 1.3 million tons of wheat and 187,000 tons of flour on foreign markets.
Serbia annually produces about 2.9 million tons of bread grain, while domestic needs amount to a maximum of 1.6 million tons. This leaves a significant surplus of wheat for export.
At the beginning of this economic year, exports recorded good results, although there was a slight drop in flour exports in August. Exports are expected to rise again in September. Also, the fact that grain is being exported again through the port of Constanta is pleasing, which ensures continuity in trade.
The price of wheat continues to fluctuate
The average export price of wheat in August 2023 was 172.25 euros per ton, while the price of flour was 269.88 euros. These prices are lower compared to the same period last year, when a ton of wheat was worth 204 euros, and flour 294 euros. Despite the lower prices of wheat and flour, statistical data show that food prices in retail trade are rising. This has raised concerns and indicates the need for market research to explain the differences between farm producer prices and retail food prices.
Zdravko Šajatović, director of “Žitounija”, noted that the consumption of bread in Serbia is changing, which is now around 60 kilograms per inhabitant per year, compared to 100 kilograms 15 years ago. This change in consumer habits brings Serbia closer to developed European countries, where bread consumption is lower. If the trend of decreasing consumption continues, Serbia could have more wheat to export in the coming years.
The area of Vojvodina, with an average wheat yield of 5.9 tons per hectare, is an ideal region for the production of this crop. The mentioned yield is above the national average, which is 5.3 tons per hectare. It is expected that with favorable climatic conditions and an adequate agricultural policy, these yields will continue to increase, which will further contribute to Serbia’s export potential in the grain sector.
Source: AgroTV
Source: boljazemlja.com
