Russian Agri-Food Products Around the World: Wheat to Africa, Flax to China, Flour to Israel

In the first quarter of 2025, Russia significantly expanded both the geography and volume of its wheat exports, further solidifying its status as one of the world’s leading grain suppliers. Growth was particularly notable in the African market, where demand for Russian agricultural products continues to rise steadily.

According to the Federal Center for Evaluation of Safety and Quality of Grain and Agricultural Products, wheat shipments to Nigeria increased fivefold, reaching 262,000 tons. In Morocco, exports doubled to 174,000 tons, while deliveries to Mozambique soared 11.7 times to 73,800 tons. Cameroon imported 50,000 tons (up 2.2 times), Burundi received 30,500 tons (up 9.6 times), and for the first time since 2022, wheat was exported to Togo — totaling 27,000 tons.

Growth in Russian grain exports was also seen in the Middle East. Shipments to Lebanon tripled compared to the same period last year, reaching 149,000 tons. Exports to Iraq doubled, and deliveries to Israel rose by 11%. Experts note that Russia is demonstrating not only volume growth but also market diversification — actively expanding its footprint in new regions.

Asian Markets: Grain, Flour, Flax, and Rapeseed
In the Asia-Pacific region, export dynamics remained strong. South Korea imported 184,600 tons of grain from Russia — 2.2 times more than in the same period of 2024. This included 103,600 tons of corn and 79,700 tons of wheat. Japan, which had not imported Russian corn in the first quarter of 2024, purchased 10,500 tons this year.

Flaxseed exports to China doubled to 307,000 tons, confirming China’s key role in Russia’s agri-export structure. Strong growth was also recorded in processed products. Flour exports to Mongolia more than doubled, reaching 15,500 tons. Shipments to North Korea hit 5,600 tons, while flour deliveries to Israel increased twentyfold to 4,300 tons.

Exports of buckwheat to China reached 134,200 tons — up 150% year-over-year. Meanwhile, Russian rapeseed processing products are also gaining popularity. In Q1 2025, their export volume grew by 87%. China purchased 141,000 tons of rapeseed meal and cake — 4.1 times more than in the same period last year. Turkey also increased its imports by 75%, reaching 35,900 tons.

Key Takeaways:
• Africa bets on Russian wheat — massive growth in exports to Nigeria, Morocco, Mozambique, Cameroon, and Burundi. First shipment to Togo since 2022.
• Asia ramps up grain and oilseed imports — South Korea and Japan increase purchases of corn and wheat; China doubles imports of flax and buckwheat.
• Strong growth in processed goods — flour to Israel (20x growth), rapeseed meal to China (4.1x increase).