Key Takeaways
- Jordan’s MIT purchased 120,000 tonnes of milling wheat at $264.50/tonne C&F for May shipment, confirming steady MENA demand but at disciplined price levels.
- French soft winter wheat area for the 2026 harvest increased 2.8% year-on-year to 4.6 million hectares, with overall winter grains and rapeseed also expanding.
- Favorable French and wider EU winter crop conditions point to stronger EU export potential in 2026/27, adding competitive pressure for Black Sea wheat exporters.
- Price competition in Jordan’s tender — with higher offers from Ameropa, CHS, and Bunge — highlights a narrowly priced global wheat market.
Jordan Wheat Tender Results
Jordan’s General Company for Trade Supply (MIT) finalized purchases of 120,000 tonnes of milling wheat via its February 10 international tender. The volume was split between two 60,000-tonne lots awarded to Cargill and Buildcom at $264.50 per tonne C&F, the lowest offers submitted. The first 60,000 tonnes are scheduled for shipment between May 1–15, with the second tranche set for May 16–31.
| Seller | Volume (tonnes) | Price (C&F, $/t) | Shipment Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargill | 60,000 | 264.50 | May 1–15 |
| Buildcom | 60,000 | 264.50 | May 16–31 |
| CHS | – | 266.85 (offer) | – |
| Ameropa | – | 269.00 (offer) | – |
| Bunge | – | 272.00 (offer) | – |
The award level below competing bids underscores ongoing price sensitivity among MENA wheat buyers, even as import demand remains solid.
France Expands Winter Crop Plantings
French farmers increased soft winter wheat plantings for the 2026 harvest to 4.6 million hectares, a 2.8% rise versus 2025 and in line with the five-year average. Total winter grain area reached 6.4 million hectares, up 3.2% year-on-year. Winter barley plantings climbed 5.3% to 1.26 million hectares, while rapeseed area grew 8% to 1.37 million hectares. Current weather and crop development conditions remain favorable across key French growing regions.
| Crop | Area 2026 Harvest (mln ha) | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Soft winter wheat | 4.60 | +2.8% |
| Total winter grains | 6.40 | +3.2% |
| Winter barley | 1.26 | +5.3% |
| Rapeseed | 1.37 | +8.0% |
Market Impact and Outlook
The combined effect of disciplined tender pricing and expanding EU production is neutral to bearish for Black Sea wheat exporters. Jordan’s tender confirms that demand in traditional MENA destinations remains resilient, but buyers are unwilling to chase higher offers. At the same time, larger and well-conditioned French winter crops point to stronger EU export availability for the 2026/27 season, likely intensifying competition into Mediterranean and North African markets.
Traders should closely monitor EU crop progress through spring and early summer. Historically, sizeable Western European export programs weigh on Black Sea basis levels, particularly when yields meet or exceed trend.
Source: Market Data
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