Miller Magazine Issue: 142 October 2021

25 MILLER / OCTOber 2021 NEWS World Leading Digital Technology. Global Support Network World Leaders in Microwave Moisture Measurement Hydro-Probe XT Hoppers, chutes, belt conveyors Hydro-Mix XT Mixers, conveyors, Ducting System Hydro-Mix XT-EX Certified for use in ATEX, IECEx and NEC/CSA Hazardous Locations (Dust) Hydro-Mix HT Mixers, conveyors, Ducting System, High Temperature Oil Animal Feed Coffee Rice Grain enquiries@hydronix.com www.hydronix.com Contact us for more details Bangladesh wheat imports have nearly tri- pled over the past decade amid relatively sta- ble wheat production, a significant shift in di- etary preferences toward more wheat-based foods, and a growing population. Rice con- sumption increased 5 percent to 36.5 million tons, whereas for wheat it nearly doubled to 7.8 million tons. However, unlike rice for which Bangladesh is typically self-sufficient, growth in wheat demand will be primarily satisfied with imports. Over the past several years, major exporters have vied for market share in this large and growing market– now the fifth largest importer of wheat globally-- while neighboring India barely exported anything. In 2020/21, India suddenly emerged as the primary supplier to Bangladesh, sending over 1.8 million tons. In recent years, Bangladesh has largely bought from competitively priced Black Sea suppliers Russia and Ukraine, although it also buys pre- mium Canadian red spring wheat. But during 2020/21, Ukraine faced a smaller crop, Russia began taxing its exports, and global wheat and freight prices soared, so Bangladesh began pur- chasing closer to home. Suddenly Indian wheat was priced attractively relative to other export- ers, aided by the ample supply situation in India. Demand from Bangladesh caused Indian exports to soar to the highest level in 7 years. With freight prices remaining strong, India continues to have an advantage in supplying the market at a com- petitive price. Bangladesh turns to India for wheat imports