Middle East and North Africa import 27% of world wheat
Wheat imports by country, million tonnes, 2024/25 trade year, with 2025/26 estimate as a marker.
Egypt was the world's single biggest wheat buyer in 2024/25.
The Middle East and North Africa together bought 27% of all wheat traded worldwide.
USDA estimates the region's share rose further in 2025/26, as Turkey and Morocco bought more.
the numbers
| Imports (Mt) | 2025/26 estimate (Mt) | Share of world (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | 12.4 | 13.2 | 6.1 |
| European Union | 10.7 | 6.5 | 5.2 |
| Indonesia | 10.5 | 13.4 | 5.1 |
| Algeria | 9.1 | 9.5 | 4.4 |
| Morocco | 6.3 | 7.0 | 3.1 |
| China | 4.2 | 6.0 | 2.0 |
| Yemen | 3.8 | 3.6 | 1.8 |
| Saudi Arabia | 3.1 | 3.8 | 1.5 |
| Turkey | 3.0 | 7.5 | 1.5 |
source notes & method
July/June trade year, wheat including flour and products. The USDA report was read via a copy hosted by Rice News Today. Shares of world imports are derived using USDA's world total of 204.5 Mt (country trade table). The 27% regional share uses USDA's regional table (Middle East 22.5 Mt + North Africa 31.7 Mt of 201.1 Mt). 2025/26 values are USDA estimates as of May 2026; in that year Indonesia (13.4 Mt) is estimated slightly ahead of Egypt (13.2 Mt). Iraq and Iran are not listed separately in this edition. Indonesia, the EU and China are shown for context.
Published 17 Oct 2026
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