Global grain production falls 41 MT in 2018

Early indications for the 2018 grain crops point to global output falling 41.2 million tons (1.6 percent) short of the near-record harvest of 2017, to 2 607 million tons, FAO reports.

Most of this year’s projected decline is expected to result from a contraction in coarse grain production, forecast by FAO at nearly 1 350 million tons, 36.6 million tons (2.6 percent) below the record output gathered in 2017.

The bulk of this drop would stem from a predicted 40.5 million tons (3.7 percent) annual decline in world corn production to 1 047 million tons, which would more than outweigh expected expansions in world sorghum and barley outputs.

World wheat output in 2018 is set to decline to 746.6 million tons, down 11.3 million tons (1.5 percent) from the 2017 above-average level. The Russian Federation, facing a likely decline of nearly 9 million tons mostly due to reduced yield expectations relative to last year’s exceptional outcome, is forecast to drive this year-on-year shortfall.

Previously it was reported that as of May 2, 2018, Ukraine exported 33.82 million tons of grain, which is 3.39 million tons less than over the same period last year.