Britain’s May wheat exports were at the lowest monthly level since July 2014. This means it is likely to be a net wheat importer in the 2016/17 season, customs data showed.
Exports in May amounted to only 29,509 tonnes, against imports of 185,245 tonnes.
“The strength of exports earlier in the season increased domestic demand, and a smaller harvest in 2016 have all been driving forces behind U.K. import requirements,” said Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board senior analyst Brenda Mullan.
Cumulative wheat exports so far in the 2016/17 season (July/June) were 1.4 million tonnes, down from 2.57 million tonnes a year earlier. Cumulative wheat imports climbed to 1.66 million tonnes, up from 1.39 million tonnes a year earlier.