Wheat (Milling)
Milling wheat is a high-protein wheat variety used for bread, pasta, and baked goods. Protein content (typically 11-14%) determines suitability for different flour applications. Black Sea wheat has become the world's most competitive export origin, while US Hard Red Winter and Canadian Western Red Spring are premium grades.
Wheat (Milling) at a Glance
What Moves Wheat (Milling) Pricing
Milling wheat prices off CBOT SRW, KCBT HRW, MGEX HRS, and Euronext Milling Wheat futures depending on origin. Black Sea (Russian and Ukrainian) wheat sets marginal pricing for North African and Middle East markets. Drivers include weather (Russian winter wheat, US Plains drought, Australian harvest), GASC tender results (Egyptian state buyer is the most-watched price signal), and export taxes/restrictions (Russia's price-cap mechanism, India's export bans).
How Wheat (Milling) Cargoes Are Priced and Settled
Standard cargoes are 25,000-65,000 tonnes. Pricing is futures plus basis (FOB Novorossiysk, FOB US Gulf, CFR Egypt). GAFTA contracts dominate — GAFTA 49 (CIF) and GAFTA 87 (FOB) are the workhorses. Quality clauses reference protein, test weight, falling number, and foreign matter.
Wheat (Milling) Specifications and Dispute Practice
Specs cover protein (12.5% common for milling), test weight (76-80 kg/hL), falling number (>250 sec for milling-grade), foreign matter, vomitoxin (DON). Disputes turn on protein measurement at discharge versus load, falling number drops in transit, and visible damage. GAFTA arbitration in London resolves most cargo disputes.
Where Wheat (Milling) Comes From and Where It Goes
Top exporters: Russia (largest seaborne exporter since 2017), EU (France, Germany, Romania, Bulgaria), Australia, US, Canada, Argentina. Top importers: Egypt, Indonesia, Türkiye, Algeria, Philippines, Brazil, Bangladesh, Nigeria. Russian wheat dominance has political dimensions — Black Sea grain corridor disruptions reshape global flows quickly.
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