World Wheat Usage Rates Rise

WASHINGTON - Feb 8/08 - SNS -- Global 2007-08 wheat production is raised 600,000 metric tons (MT) this month with increases for Argentina and FSU-12 more than offsetting a reduction for Afghanistan, according to the latest outlook from the USDA's World Agricultural Outlook Board.

Production for Argentina is raised 0.5 million MT based on higher harvested area. FSU- 12 output is raised 0.9 million MT with increases for Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine, all based on post-harvest revisions to yields. Production is lowered 0.6 million MT for Afghanistan.

World wheat imports, exports, and consumption are all raised this month. Imports are raised 0.5 million MT for Afghanistan on indications of higher flour imports from neighboring countries. Imports are raised 0.2 million MT for Libya based on strong demand to date.

Exports are raised 0.5 million MT each for Kazakhstan and Russia. Higher expected shipments from Kazakhstan reflect higher production and the strong pace of sales to date. Higher exports from Russia reflect increased export opportunities for flour. World wheat feeding is raised 0.9 million MT with higher feeding in Canada and FSU-12 more than offsetting a reduction for EU-27.

Subscribers can read the full text of the article by Clicking here