Bangladesh Reverts to Indian Wheat Amid Black Sea Disruptions
Disruptions to Black Sea trade have pushed Bangladesh back towards Indian wheat supplies. The country has resumed purchasing wheat from India, which accounted for nearly 70% of its imports before exports were banned in May 2022.
Importers have booked over 200,000 tonnes of Indian wheat since Dhaka lifted restrictions in August, with most supplies moving by rail and delivered prices ranging from $305 to $326 a tonne.
The Black Sea region's war between Russia and Ukraine has curtailed shipments, forcing buyers across Asia, Africa, and Europe to seek alternative sources. Bangladesh needs to import over 7 million tonnes of wheat annually, with India being the most convenient option due to short transit times and low freight costs.
Refined wheat flour prices in Dhaka have jumped 17% over the past month, adding to inflation risk. However, Indian wheat exports are forecast to more than quadruple to 2 million tonnes in the 2026/27 season, making the country's wheat internationally competitive for the first time in five years.