Ukraine nearly doubles wheat exports to Egypt as corn shipments come to a halt
Ukraine nearly doubled wheat shipments to Egypt in October 2026 to 269,100 tonnes, capturing 27% of imports. However, Ukrainian corn shipments remained absent due to Black Sea logistical disruptions. Egypt’s wheat imports recovered monthly but remained significantly below last year’s levels.
In October 2026, Ukraine nearly doubled its wheat shipments to Egypt, reaching 269.1 thsd tons compared with 136.9 thsd tons in September. Ukrainian wheat accounted for 27% of Egypt’s total wheat imports. Meanwhile, Ukrainian corn shipments to the Egyptian market remained absent due to logistics restrictions in the Black Sea, although autumn traditionally marks the beginning of active exports of Ukraine’s new corn crop.
Overall, Egypt imported 985.4 thsd tons of wheat in October, nearly three times the September volume but 47% below the year-earlier level. Russia remained the largest supplier, shipping 403.2 thsd tons, up 272% month on month. Around 138.5 thsd tons of Russian-origin wheat arrived through Latvian and Lithuanian ports, accounting for 14% of Egypt’s total imports. Romania increased shipments by 68% to 138.3 thsd tons, while Bulgaria supplied 30.5 thsd tons and Moldova 5.9 thsd tons.
Despite the recovery in October purchases, Egypt’s total wheat imports remain significantly below last year’s level. During July–October of the 2026/27 marketing year, the country imported 2.37 mln tons, compared with 5.26 mln tons in the corresponding period of the previous season. All arrivals during these four months were purchased by private-sector buyers, while deliveries under government contracts are expected to resume in November. The state buyer has already purchased at least five French wheat cargoes and two Romanian cargoes.
The situation in the corn market is quite different. In October, Egypt reduced corn imports by 35% month on month and 42.2% year on year to 777.3 thsd tons. Brazil was the dominant supplier, accounting for 746.2 thsd tons, or 96.1% of total imports. Argentina shipped just 30.6 thsd tons, while Ukrainian corn was completely absent from the market. Egyptian importers attribute the lack of Ukrainian shipments to Black Sea logistics disruptions and limited availability of new-crop grain.
Substantial domestic stocks, exchange rate fluctuations and weak demand are putting additional pressure on corn imports. According to local market participants, existing inventories are sufficient to cover approximately 1.5 months of consumption, while domestic corn is around $10/ton cheaper than imported alternatives. As a result, further reductions in purchases are expected in November, with Brazilian corn arrivals potentially declining to approximately 450 thsd tons. Meanwhile, the prospects for Ukrainian grain returning to the Egyptian market will largely depend on the restoration of stable Black Sea export routes.
To Read more about Wheat News continue reading Agriinsite.com
Source : Ukr Agro Consult
