Global Grain Production Estimate Held Steady at 2.41 Billion Tonnes

22-May-2026 04:35 PM

New Delhi. In its latest report, the International Grains Council (IGC) has maintained its global grain production estimate for the 2026-27 season at the previous level of 2.41 billion tonnes. This figure represents a decline of approximately 3 percent compared to the previous season. The Council states that there will be a slight reduction in the sown area this time around, and average yield rates may also decrease. After four consecutive years of growth, grain production is projected to witness a slight decline this season.

Similarly, the Council has kept its estimate for global grain consumption steady at 2.44 billion tonnes—a figure slightly higher than that of the previous season (2025-26). Under this projection, consumption of wheat, maize, and barley is expected to increase.

Global carryover stocks of grain are projected to stand at 615 million tonnes; however, the estimate for global trade has been lowered by 2 million tonnes, setting it at 446 million tonnes. Trade estimates for wheat and barley have been revised downward.

For the 2025-26 season, the IGC has raised its global grain production estimate by 3 million tonnes, setting it at 2.48 billion tonnes.

This upward revision is attributed to increased production estimates for maize in Argentina and coarse grains in South Africa. During the 2026-27 season, global grain utilization is expected to outpace production; this imbalance will exert pressure on existing carryover stocks, potentially leading to a slight depletion of reserves.