Grain merchants stockpile record levels of imported wheat

More than 300,000t of imported wheat stocks were held by UK merchants, ports and co-operatives in June, the highest level for this time of year since records began almost 20 years ago.

This represents a 21% increase in wheat imports on the same month last year, and an almost 80% increase on 2023 levels, according to AHDB figures.

The UK’s reliance on imported wheat has surged following several consecutive poor harvests, with imports surpassing 3m tonnes between July 2024 and June 2025.

See also: AHDB corrects UK wheat yield data blunder

Meanwhile, stocks of home-grown wheat being held by industry are exceptionally low at less than 500,000t.

Stocks on farm have also been back, with Defra figures released on 21 August showing wheat stocks in June were back by 44% on the year at 650,000t in England and Wales.

Although domestic wheat stocks are low and the UK is anticipating a relatively small wheat crop this year, prices remain under pressure as the market continues to be driven by global factors, with an ongoing surplus of grain worldwide.

Arable enterprises are, therefore, being squeezed from both sides, with lower farmgate prices and lower production.

Harvest progress

The latest harvest progress report, produced by the AHDB in partnership with the Andersons Centre, was published on 22 August with wheat yields back on the year.

It says that harvest has been “extremely challenging for many growers” with considerable variability between regions.

The average UK yield was estimated to be 5.4% down at 7.3t/ha, based on farms included in the sample.

However, anecdotal reports suggest a great deal of variation with yields reportedly down by 30% in some areas, while other regions including parts of the South East, South West, northern England and Wales, have had comparatively good harvests.