Taiwan Issues Tender for Over 95,000 Tons of US Milling Wheat as Prices Drop
The Taiwan Flour Millers’ Association (TFMA) has issued an international tender to purchase approximately 95,450 metric tons of grade 1 milling wheat—to be sourced from the United States—in a move that signals renewed importer interest amid falling wheat prices.
According to European traders, the deadline for bid submissions is Thursday, June 12, 2025, and the shipment will be divided into two consignments:
-
First consignment: 47,050 tons
-
Shipment window: August 9–23
-
-
Second consignment: 48,400 tons
-
Shipment window: August 27–September 10
-
Both consignments are scheduled to depart from the U.S. Pacific Northwest coast, a key export hub for American grain bound for Asia.
Wheat Varieties in Demand
The TFMA is seeking a range of premium-quality wheat types, including:
-
Dark Northern Spring (DNS)
-
Hard Red Winter (HRW)
-
Soft White Wheat (SWW)
These varieties are essential for high-quality flour production and cater to diverse baking needs in Taiwan’s food industry.
Why Taiwan Is Buying Now: Market Conditions Favor Imports
Traders noted that low U.S. wheat prices are beginning to draw more international buyers. This follows a period of price volatility driven by:
-
Improved U.S. crop condition ratings
-
Seasonal harvest pressures
-
Temporary delays in early harvest operations
-
Ongoing drought concerns in Russia, one of the world’s top wheat exporters
On Tuesday, Chicago wheat futures—a global benchmark—fell to their lowest level in over a week, signaling downward pressure in the market. Lower futures typically translate into more competitive export offers, especially in price-sensitive markets across Asia and the Middle East.
Soft Wheat Exports from the EU Are Down
At the same time, European Union wheat exports for the 2024–25 season have declined, leaving more room for U.S. wheat in Asian markets. With EU-origin wheat becoming less competitive or less available, importers like Taiwan are increasingly turning to North American grain to meet demand.
A Barometer for Asian Wheat Prices
The TFMA’s tenders are closely watched by global grain traders and analysts. Historically, these tenders serve as a real-time indicator of U.S. wheat competitiveness in Asian markets—both in terms of price and logistics.
In its previous tender on May 8, the association purchased an estimated 99,200 metric tons of U.S. milling wheat, reinforcing a consistent sourcing pattern.
Conclusion: Opportunity for U.S. Wheat Exporters
Taiwan’s latest tender highlights a window of opportunity for U.S. wheat exporters to gain momentum in Asian markets. With favorable pricing, a diverse range of wheat types on offer, and declining competition from the EU, the conditions are ripe for American grain to capture a bigger share of the region’s import demand—especially as global market dynamics remain fluid.
