Wheat export prices in the Russian Federation declined marginally in September 2024, following more significant declines over the previous two months, due to subdued export activities. The price decline was partly offset by lower-than-expected spring wheat harvest prospects, caused by unfavourable weather conditions in some regions. By contrast, in Ukraine,¹ the wheat export price increased month on month in September, but remained around 10 percent higher compared to the same period last year. In Kazakhstan, the milling wheat export price fell for the third consecutive month in September, and by around 7 percent month-on-month, marking a new 12-month low, as demand remained sluggish from key importing countries in Central Asia. On the import side, the Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture extended a temporary suspension of wheat imports, that was previously introduced in April 2023, for a further six months, through December 2024, in an effort to combat illegal wheat imports. The measure covers wheat imports from all countries in all forms of transportation, including from Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) members, except for transit or for movement between member states of the EAEU.

The national average price levels of wheat flour sustained upward trends in September 2024 in the Russian Federation and Ukraine. In the Russian Federation, the national average retail price of wheat flour in September continued to increase slightly, reaching its highest level since January 2023 and was 6 percent higher year-on-year, reflecting reduced 2024 wheat production estimates. In Ukraine, the national average wholesale price of wheat flour reached a new record high, reflecting tight domestic supply, strong export activities, as well as high input and transport costs. In Kazakhstan, the national average wholesale price for wheat flour remained steady in August, following a steady decline since January 2024. Prices were nearly unchanged compared to the same period last year, amid quiet market activity, good harvest prospects and ample ending stocks.

Wheat flour prices remained relatively stable in August and September 2024 across the domestic markets of the subregion’s net wheat importing countries, primarily due to weak international wheat prices. In Armenia, the national average retail wheat flour price slightly increased month on month in August and was 4 percent below last year’s level, reflecting adequate domestic supply. Similarly, in Georgia, the national average retail wheat flour price slightly increased in September, reflecting sufficient domestic supply. In Belarus, the national average retail wheat flour price marginally increased in August and was about 6 percent above last year’s level. In the Republic of Moldova, retail wheat flour prices fell by about 2 percent in August, marking the third consecutive monthly decrease, and were 12 percent below last year’s level, supported by the above-average winter wheat harvest as well as adequate wheat flour imports from Ukraine. In Kyrgyzstan, the national average retail price of wheat flour, which has been falling since the beginning of 2024, increased marginally on a monthly basis in September and was close to year-earlier levels.

 1 Information provided by Ukraine excludes statistical data concerning the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol and the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. The information is presented without prejudice to relevant UN General Assembly and UN Security Council resolutions, which reaffirm the territorial integrity of Ukraine.