South America Wheat Market Analysis
The South America Wheat Market size is estimated at USD 17.16 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 21.38 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- The South American wheat market has transformed significantly in recent years, with the region becoming a key player in global wheat production and trade. Brazil, Argentina, and Chile collectively produced approximately 33.6 million metric tons of wheat in 2023, according to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) data. Argentina leads South American wheat production, with its 2023 output reaching 22.1 million metric tons, benefiting from favorable climate conditions, extensive arable land, and advanced agricultural infrastructure.
- FAO data indicates that South America's wheat production increased by 20.7% between 2020 and 2023. The rising global demand for wheat, driven by population growth and changing dietary patterns, has encouraged South American countries to expand their wheat cultivation. This growth trend is anticipated to continue driving the market during the forecast period.
- Climate variability and weather patterns have become critical factors affecting South American wheat production. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that El Niño conditions in 2023 significantly impacted wheat cultivation across the region. Argentina's wheat-growing areas experienced increased rainfall during the crucial growing season, while southern Brazil faced drought periods that affected yield potential.
- Government and private sector initiatives in the region are estimated to drive market growth in the coming years. For instance, the commercialization of a new genetically modified (GM) wheat variety in Argentina and Brazil in 2024. This drought-resistant variety, HB4, developed by Argentine company Bioceres, incorporates a gene derived from sunflowers. Such innovations, along with the introduction of new products, are projected to significantly boost the market during the forecast period.
South America Wheat Market Trends
Increasing Domestic Consumption
Wheat consumption in South American countries, particularly Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina, has seen a significant increase in recent years. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the region's annual wheat consumption reached approximately 30.1 thousand metric tons in 2023. The high nutritional value of wheat has expanded its use in the food and processing industries across the region. Improved living standards and increased disposable income have led to greater health awareness among urban consumers. Additionally, the rise in lifestyle-related diseases has positively influenced wheat consumption demand.
Brazil stands as the largest wheat consumer in the region, importing wheat worth approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2023, primarily from Argentina, as reported by the ITC Trade Map. The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) reports that urban populations now comprise over 81% of South America's total population in 2023. This urbanization trend has led to increased consumption of convenient wheat-based products, especially bread and pasta. In Argentina, for instance, per capita bread consumption reached 75 kg per person in 2023, according to the USDA. The proliferation of quick-service restaurants and cafes in urban areas has further boosted wheat consumption in major South American cities.
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Argentina Dominates the Market
Argentina plays a crucial role in the South American wheat market, producing approximately 61.2% of the region's total wheat, with an annual output averaging 20.5 million metric tons, according to FAO Statistics. The country's favorable geographical conditions, advanced agricultural technologies, and strategic economic policies have established it as a significant global wheat exporter.
Wheat exports are economically vital for Argentina. In 2023, these exports generated about USD 871.8 million in revenue, forming a key part of the country's agricultural export portfolio, according to ITC Trade Map. This export capacity is supported by well-developed agricultural infrastructure, including an extensive network of grain elevators, modern transportation systems, and strategic port facilities along the Paraná River.
Argentina has three main wheat-planting areas: North, Central, and South. The Central and Southern regions contribute over 95% of the production, with planting beginning in the second half of May, according to FAO Statistics. Argentina is also a major wheat consumer in South America, using it for noodles, dumplings, buns, and pastries in everyday cuisine. Wheat is primarily used as flour for various preparations in the country.
Corporate initiatives are also supporting Argentina's wheat market. In 2023, Florimond Desprez, a seed breeder and producer, partnered with Bioceres to develop and market wheat varieties with new biotechnologies for South America, particularly Argentina. Given these factors and the increasing adoption of technology in the region, Argentina is expected to maintain its dominance in the wheat market over the forecast period.
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South America Wheat Market News
- September 2024: A new genetically modified (GM) wheat variety, utilizing a gene derived from sunflower seeds, has been commercialized in Argentina and Brazil. The drought-resistant HB4 wheat variety was developed by the Argentine biotechnology company Bioceres. This innovation plays a key role in adapting farming systems to more extreme climates.
- May 2023: BASF launched Sistiva(Fluxapyroxad), a fungicide used to treat wheat seeds, in Brazil. The product has a new concept in disease management and will play a key role in the Brazilian wheat market over the forecast period.
- March 2023: Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp. publicized that CTNBio, the National Biosafety Commission of Brazil's Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, has given the full approval for the commercialization and cultivation of HB4 Wheat after the conclusion of the safety evaluation.
South America Wheat Industry Segmentation
Wheat is widely cultivated for its seed and cereal grain. Many species of wheat together make up the genus Triticum, out of which the most widely grown is common wheat (Triticum aestivum). The other major varieties are durum wheat (T. durum) and club wheat (T.compactum). The South America Wheat Market is segmented by Geography (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay). The report includes Production Analysis (Volume), Consumption Analysis (Volume and Value), Import Analysis (Volume and Value), Export Analysis (Volume and Value), and Price Trend analysis for the abovementioned segments. The report offers market size in terms of Value (USD Million) and Volume(Metric Ton)
| Geography | Argentina | Production Analysis (Volume) | |
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| Brazil | Production Analysis (Volume) | ||
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| Price Trend Analysis | |||
| Chile | Production Analysis (Volume) | ||
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| Import Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |||
| Export Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |||
| Price Trend Analysis | |||
| Paraguay | Production Analysis (Volume) | ||
| Consumption Analysis (Volume and Value) | |||
| Import Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |||
| Export Market Analysis (Volume and Value) | |||
| Price Trend Analysis | |||
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South America Wheat Market Research Faqs
How big is the South America Wheat Market?
The South America Wheat Market size is expected to reach USD 17.16 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 4.5% to reach USD 21.38 billion by 2030.
What is the current South America Wheat Market size?
In 2025, the South America Wheat Market size is expected to reach USD 17.16 billion.
What years does this South America Wheat Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the South America Wheat Market size was estimated at USD 16.39 billion. The report covers the South America Wheat Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the South America Wheat Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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South America Wheat Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 South America Wheat market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. South America Wheat analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
