French grain exports are rebounding strongly through the 2025/2026 campaign, with France AgriMer reporting 25.4 million tonnes shipped across national ports. This recovery is led by Haropa Port Rouen, which handled 8.4 million tonnes (Mt), and the Grand Port Maritime (GPM) de La Rochelle, which processed approximately 3.7 Mt, marking a significant shift from the previous year’s low volumes.
Haropa Port Rouen Drives 61% Surge in Grain Traffic
Haropa Port Rouen has solidified its role as a primary export hub, handling 8.4 Mt during the current grain campaign. According to a statement from Haropa Port, this represents a 61% increase over the previous campaign’s 5.2 Mt. This volume doesn’t just beat last year; it exceeds the ten-year average of 7.4 Mt.
The port’s output is dominated by wheat and barley. Specifically, 5.6 Mt of milling and feed wheat were shipped, while barley accounted for 2.6 Mt. This performance marks the third-best campaign in the port’s history. Additionally, 0.6 Mt of malt and oilseed proteins were exported.
Did you know? Rouen currently handles 50% of all French grain exports, maintaining its position as the country’s leading cereal gateway.
Maghreb and Asia Lead Global Demand
Export destinations show a heavy reliance on North African and Asian markets. Morocco remains the top destination for Rouen, receiving 2.6 Mt of grain. When viewed by region, the Maghreb totals 3.4 Mt, followed by the European Union at 1.5 Mt and West Africa at 1.3 Mt.
China and Côte d’Ivoire also feature prominently in the rankings. China received 578,000 tonnes, while Côte d’Ivoire followed with 520,000 tonnes. Kris Danaradjou, Deputy Director General of Haropa Port, attributes this success to the combined efforts of hinterland farmers and logistics operators, calling these exports a “major asset for the French economy.”
GPM de La Rochelle and the Rise of Animal Feed
The GPM de La Rochelle also reports growth, ending the campaign with roughly 3.7 Mt. This is an increase of 1 Mt compared to the prior period. Vincent Poudevigne, Director General of Sica Atlantique, noted that the port benefited from soft wheat and barley harvests that remained close to normal levels.
Sica Atlantique handled 2.1 Mt of this traffic, while Socomac—a subsidiary of Soufflet Négoce by Invivo—processed 1.6 Mt. Socomac’s volume rose by 300,000 tonnes, a 23% increase. Their breakdown includes:
- Soft wheat: 750,000 t
- Feed barley: 400,000 t
- Maize: 280,000 t
- Brewing barley: 110,000 t
Socomac reports that 45% of its volumes went to European countries, including the UK, while 55% were destined for Morocco, China, and Côte d’Ivoire. Notably, 30% of their pre-shipment transport was conducted via rail.
The Animal Feed Sector Pivot
The animal feed sector is showing particular strength in La Rochelle. The port handled 145,000 t for this segment. Sébastien Hamon, Director of the “pôles soldes” for Sica Atlantique, stated that the company EVA (a subsidiary of Maritim Kuhn and Sica Atlantique) had to mobilize extra storage zones to meet demand. Hamon credits this growth to improved logistics solutions.
Comparing Port Performance: Rouen vs. La Rochelle
| Metric | Haropa Port Rouen | GPM La Rochelle |
|---|---|---|
| Total Campaign Volume | 8.4 Mt | ~3.7 Mt |
| Growth vs. Prev. Year | +61% | +1 Mt |
| Primary Destination | Morocco (2.6 Mt) | EU / Morocco / China |
Future Risks: Drought and Geopolitics
Despite the current success, industry leaders are wary of the 2026 outlook. Vincent Poudevigne of Sica Atlantique expressed concern over the upcoming harvest due to three specific pressures: drought, geopolitical instability, and regulatory constraints.
Interestingly, Haropa Port officials stated that the conflict in the Middle East has not yet had a significant impact on their current export volumes, though the long-term stability of these trade routes remains a point of monitoring for French logistics operators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country is the largest importer of French grain via Rouen?
Morocco is the primary destination, importing 2.6 million tonnes of grain from Haropa Port Rouen.
How does the current campaign compare to the historical average?
Haropa Port Rouen’s 8.4 Mt volume exceeds its ten-year average of 7.4 Mt.
What factors are threatening the 2026 harvest?
According to Sica Atlantique, the primary concerns are drought, geopolitical tensions, and regulatory constraints.
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