Global grain output set to hit record over 2B tonnes in 2025/26 – IGC

UK – The International Grains Council (IGC) has projected global grain production to reach an all-time high of 2.375 billion tonnes in the 2025/26 season, marking a 3% increase from the previous year.

The surge is primarily attributed to robust maize harvests in the European Union, Argentina, and the United States, supported by solid wheat and soybean outputs across key growing regions.

The forecast, released during the IGC’s 62nd Council Session held in London, underscores strong momentum in the grains sector, with total use also expected to climb by 2% year-on-year to 2.372 billion tonnes.

Global stocks are anticipated to rise modestly to 585 million tonnes, marking the first increase in four years and reflecting improved inventories in key exporting countries.

Trade volumes are also on an upward trajectory. The Council predicts grain trade will rise to 428 million tonnes, bolstered by increased wheat shipments and stable maize exports. 

Rice and soybean trade are expected to remain firm, with global rice trade forecast at 59 million tonnes.

Chaired by Mr. Hamed Oussama Salhi of the Algerian Embassy in London, the Council used the June 12 session to highlight key trade policy concerns, particularly the growing impact of non-tariff barriers.

Members called for greater cooperation on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and reaffirmed support for a rules-based trading system.

As part of its institutional commitments, the IGC renewed the Grains Trade Convention for an additional two years, enabling continued data sharing and analytical support through its Secretariat.

The session also marked new strategic outreach moves under the Algerian chairmanship. These include the launch of an Arabic edition of the Grains Market Report and enhanced dialogue with potential new member states.

A new partnership with the India Middle East Agri Alliance was also announced, aimed at improving transparency and trade flows between South Asia and the Middle East.

Looking ahead, the IGC will publish a comprehensive five-year supply and demand outlook in January 2026.

The report will examine long-term dynamics across grains, oilseeds, rice, and pulses, providing stakeholders with critical insights into market risks, climate-related disruptions, and evolving global consumption trends.

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