China's wheat production rose 0.6% despite floods in major growing regions

In 2026, China's winter wheat production increased by 0.6% compared to the previous season to 138.95 million tons, despite floods in major agricultural regions and a 0.3% reduction in sowing area to 23.01 million hectares, Reuters reports.

Rains in the fall delayed the sowing of winter wheat, but good weather throughout the growing season and effective pest control contributed to the development of crops and increased yields, especially for wheat grown on rainfed lands.

In late May, as farmers began harvesting wheat, heavy and prolonged rains hit central Hubei province and parts of Henan province, the largest wheat producer in China, accounting for more than a quarter of total production.

Due to excessive rainfall, between 4.8 and 10 million tons of wheat sprouted, which is a relatively small amount, especially since the dry weather that later set in these regions helped limit the damage.

China is the world's largest producer and consumer of wheat, and meets most of its needs through its own production, importing only limited quantities of high-quality grain.

According to the latest USDA forecast, wheat production in China will increase from 140 to 141 million tons compared to the previous season, and its imports will increase from 5.8 to 6 million tons.