According to preliminary estimates, global grain production (including rice in milled equivalent) could reach a record 2.911 billion tons in 2025, which would be 2.1% more than in 2024. This forecast is included in the May report from FAO analysts of the UN, the FAO press service reported.
"Production of all major grains is expected to increase, with the biggest percentage growth in corn output, and the smallest in wheat. Corn, rice and sorghum production are all forecast to hit new record highs," the report said.
Global grain consumption is also projected to grow by 0.9% compared to the 2024/25 season, reaching 2.898 billion tons.
Since global grain production is expected to exceed consumption in the next season, world grain stocks are forecast to rise by 1% (8.3 million tons) from the beginning of the 2025/26 season, reaching 873.6 million tons. This means the decline in stocks seen in the previous season will be partly offset.
"After a nearly 7% drop in global grain trade in the 2024/25 season (down to 478.2 million tons), trade is expected to partially recover in 2025/26, increasing by 1.9% to 487.1 million tons," FAO experts added. "This recovery will mainly be driven by global wheat trade, which may rise by 3.8% to 200.6 million tons, while trade in coarse grains could grow by 0.9% to 226.4 million tons."
