Canada is one of the world’s largest wheat exporters and the leading source of high-protein spring wheat and durum. It produced 35.9 million tonnes of wheat in 2024, up from 33.4 million tonnes in 2023, according to FAO data. Millers buy Canadian wheat to strengthen flour blends and for premium bread and pasta.
This guide covers Canada’s wheat classes, where the wheat is grown and shipped, and how importers buy it.
Canadian wheat at a glance
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Production 2024 | 35.9 Mt (FAO) |
| Production 2023 | 33.4 Mt (FAO) |
| Main growing provinces | Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba |
| Harvest | Roughly August to October |
| Main export routes | West coast ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert; Thunder Bay and the St Lawrence Seaway in the east |
| Known for | High-protein spring wheat and amber durum |
Canadian wheat classes
| Class | Typical use |
|---|---|
| CWRS (Canada Western Red Spring) | The flagship class. High-protein milling wheat for pan bread and for blending |
| CWAD (Canada Western Amber Durum) | Pasta, couscous and semolina |
| CPSR (Canada Prairie Spring Red) | Medium-protein bread and flatbreads |
| CWHWS (Canada Western Hard White Spring) | Noodles, flatbreads and whole wheat products |
| CWSWS (Canada Western Soft White Spring) | Biscuits, cakes and flatbreads |
| CNHR (Canada Northern Hard Red) | Bread and general milling |
Within each class, wheat is graded (for example No. 1 or No. 2 CWRS) and often sold with a guaranteed minimum protein.
Quality assurance
Canadian wheat exports are inspected and certified by the Canadian Grain Commission, a federal agency. Its certificate confirms grade and quality for each shipment, which is one reason buyers trust Canadian wheat for consistency. Buyers can also appoint their own independent inspector.
Main buyers
Canadian wheat goes to a wide range of markets, including China, Japan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, the United States, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa. Durum is especially important for Italian, North African and other pasta and couscous producers.
What affects Canadian wheat prices
- Prairie weather. Drought and early frost can cut yields and protein.
- Protein premiums. High-protein years and low-protein years change the premium for CWRS.
- Rail and port logistics. Moving grain from the Prairies to the coast is a long haul, and congestion affects shipment timing.
- Competition. US, Australian and Black Sea wheat compete in many markets.
For reference, the World Bank benchmark for US hard red winter wheat was $347 per tonne in September 2026. High-protein CWRS usually trades at a premium.
How to import Canadian wheat
- Choose the class and grade, with a minimum protein if needed.
- Agree the terms: FOB at a Canadian port, or CFR or CIF to your port.
- Plan the timing around the harvest and port logistics.
- Confirm inspection: Canadian Grain Commission certificate, plus independent inspection if you want it.
- Prepare the documents: contract, invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate and quality and weight certificates.
Milling wheat 12.5% from Canada and the USA
For buyers who need a dependable bread-making wheat, we work with a 12.5% protein milling grade of USA and Canada origin. The headline limits are:
- Protein: 12.5% minimum on a 12% moisture basis
- Moisture: 13% maximum
- Falling number: 250 seconds minimum
- Gluten index: 75% minimum, with 8% minimum dry gluten
- Test weight: 77 kg/hl minimum
It is offered from 50,000 MT, in bulk or 50 kg PP bags, with SGS pre-shipment inspection and delivery to any safe world port. See the full wheat specification.
Wheat through Agromer
Agromer is an international commodity trader based in France since 1985. We handle wheat enquiries from mills, food manufacturers and traders. The origin, class and terms are confirmed in each offer. Send us the wheat type, specification, quantity, packaging and destination port. See our guide to buying wheat in bulk.
Frequently asked questions
How much wheat does Canada produce?
35.9 million tonnes in 2024 and 33.4 million tonnes in 2023, according to FAO data.
What is CWRS wheat?
Canada Western Red Spring, a high-protein hard spring wheat used for bread and to strengthen flour blends.
Is Canada a major durum exporter?
Yes. Canada is one of the world’s leading exporters of durum wheat, sold as Canada Western Amber Durum.
Who inspects Canadian wheat exports?
The Canadian Grain Commission inspects and certifies the grade of export shipments.
Where is Canadian wheat shipped from?
Mainly from Vancouver and Prince Rupert on the west coast, and through Thunder Bay and the St Lawrence Seaway in the east.
Why is Canadian wheat more expensive?
Its high protein and consistent quality command a premium, and long rail hauls to port add cost.