US millers buy Polish wheat as persistently high domestic prices push American companies to seek more affordable alternatives in Europe. European traders have reported this trend in recent weeks, and it is drawing significant attention across global grain markets. According to the Zerno On-Line news agency, citing Reuters, US companies have been actively purchasing Polish milling wheat as a direct response to elevated American wheat prices.
Reported Purchase Volumes: Polish and German Traders Differ
Estimates of the volumes purchased varied between sources. A Polish trader reported that four shipments of 30,000 tonnes of Polish milling wheat were sold to mills on the US East Coast. Meanwhile, an unnamed German trader stated that between two and four shipments were sold. Therefore, while the exact volume remains uncertain, multiple trade sources confirm that deals have taken place.
Furthermore, the deals reportedly included the new wheat crop. Expected shipping dates are from September to December 2026. Consequently, buyers are planning well ahead, securing supply for the second half of the year.
Why US Millers Buy Polish Wheat: The Price Gap Explained
The price difference between US and European wheat is a key driver of this trend. A German trader stated that “US millers appear to be looking for cheaper alternatives to expensive US wheat. American millers regularly purchased wheat from Poland when US prices were considered too high.”
Indeed, the numbers clearly illustrate the gap. The price of US soft red winter wheat (SRW) for May delivery currently ranges from $250 to $253 per ton FOB US Gulf of Mexico, depending on fluctuations in wheat futures prices. In contrast, this is significantly higher than the price of wheat in the Baltic Sea region, which ranges from $238 to $240 per ton FOB. Thus, the price difference of roughly $12 to $15 per ton makes Polish wheat an attractive and competitive option for US buyers.
A Recurring Pattern in US–European Wheat Trade
This situation is not entirely new. As the German trader noted, American millers have regularly purchased wheat from Poland whenever US prices were considered too high. Therefore, the current buying activity follows a well-established pattern in transatlantic grain trade. Moreover, it highlights how price dynamics continue to shape sourcing decisions, even across long shipping distances.
Source: Zerno On-Line (Russia)