In Russia, wheat sowing areas have been decreasing for the third consecutive year, and wheat is the basis of the country’s grain exports. In 2025, 26.9 million hectares were sown for wheat — 3 million hectares less than in the peak year of 2023. This follows from the calculations of the consulting company Strategy Partners, which publishes “Kommersant”.
According to analysts, the situation was influenced by the abnormal heat observed in the last two years in key wheat-growing regions — the Volga and Southern Federal Districts. Also, in the agricultural sector in 2025, there was a 10% decrease in profitability with a sharp increase (up to 70%) in the cost of production (wage fund, machinery, and fertilizers).
In addition, Russian wheat producers faced difficulties in selling their products abroad. In addition to the fall in global grain prices, a strong ruble and expensive logistics through seaports make exports less profitable, Strategy Partners notes (The Moscow Times).
