- Export Surge: Russian millet exports for 2025/26 have already reached 94,000 tons, exceeding last season’s full-year volume and the five-year average.
- Middle East Demand: The Middle East now leads as the primary buyer with 45,000 tons shipped, up 55% year-on-year, with Turkey’s intake more than tripling.
- Market Diversification: Exports to Asia and Africa are rising, and shipments to the EU have resumed to about 5,000 tons after near-zero volumes last season.
- Logistics Implications: Higher flows across Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian corridors point to sustained vessel demand for minor grains from Black Sea ports.
Russian Millet Export Performance 2025/26
Russian millet exports have posted strong growth in the 2025/26 marketing year, reaching about 94,000 tons by May 10, according to federal center Agroexport. This already surpasses both the full 2024/25 season total of 67,000 tons and the five-year average of 91,000 tons, underscoring robust external demand for Russian millet.
Regional Export Dynamics
The Middle East has emerged as the key destination, taking more than 45,000 tons of Russian millet so far in 2025/26, a 55% increase versus the same period a year earlier. Turkey stands out, with shipments more than tripling to over 13,000 tons. Asian buyers have received around 38,000 tons compared with 28,000 tons in the comparable period, while African destinations saw volumes roughly triple to about 3,600 tons.
A notable shift is the renewed presence of Russian millet in the EU market. After deliveries were close to zero in 2024/25, EU countries have imported approximately 5,000 tons in the current season, signaling improved access and diversification of Russia’s export portfolio.
Export Volumes by Region
| Region / Destination | Exports 2025/26 (tons) | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Total Russian Millet Exports (as of May 10) | 94,000 | +52% vs. 2024/25 total (67,000 tons) |
| Middle East (total) | 45,000+ | +55% vs. same period last year |
| of which: Turkey | 13,000+ | More than 3x vs. last year |
| Asia (total) | 38,000 | Up from 28,000 tons |
| Africa (total) | ≈3,600 | About 3x vs. last year |
| European Union | ≈5,000 | Resumed from near-zero in 2024/25 |
| Five-year average exports | 91,000 | 2025/26 already above average |
Market and Logistics Implications
The 52% surge in Russian millet exports highlights both strong international demand and improved access to multiple end-markets. The growing role of the Middle East, alongside increased Asian and African flows and the EU’s re-entry, reduces destination concentration risk for Russian exporters and supports more stable offtake for the remainder of the season.
For freight and logistics planners, the expanded footprint across Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian routes implies sustained demand for vessels handling smaller grain parcels from Black Sea ports. This could support firm freight rates in the minor grains segment through the balance of the 2025/26 marketing year.
Source: Market Data
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