Increased imports and rising costs put pressure on wheat mills in Paraná.

The combination of increased dependence on wheat imports, global pressure on commodities, and rising input costs caused by the war in the Middle East is putting Paraná's mills on alert. The state is home to the largest milling park in Brazil and accounts for 30% of the national wheat flour production. To discuss this scenario and the factors influencing the sector's competitiveness, the Paraná Wheat Industry Union (Sinditrigo-PR) will bring together representatives of the wheat chain at the Moatrigo workshop, scheduled for April 13th at the Fiep Convention Center in Curitiba. The president of Sinditrigo-PR, Paloma Venturelli, believes that the sector entered 2026 facing a situation that demands continuous attention—from the supply of raw materials to the increase in operational costs, including structural challenges that directly impact the industry. :: Paraná is expected to import 1.3 million tons in 2026. The decline in the area cultivated with wheat in Paraná has intensified in recent years. “The availability of raw materials in the state and in the country in general is decreasing,” says Paloma. “Ensuring a supply with adequate quality to meet industrial standards is becoming a concern not only for the sector, but also for food security,” she comments, noting that many countries treat wheat as a strategic issue, since 20% of human food is based on the cereal. With domestic production below demand, Paraná is expected to import around 1.3 million tons of wheat in 2026. Argentina remains the main supplier, but strong global demand and increased logistical costs are putting pressure on costs and reducing predictability. :: International pressure on prices and logistics The sector also faces the economic effects of the war in the Middle East, which directly affects wheat and other commodities. Oil, impacted by the worsening tension between Iran, Israel and the United States, increases freight and input costs throughout the logistics chain. The rise in fertilizer prices is already worrying producers and mills, who are also experiencing an increase of over 25% in packaging costs, a direct reflection of the international scenario. “We are experiencing widespread pressure on commodities,” observes Venturelli. “Since the beginning of the conflict, wheat prices have risen in the national and international markets, and this trend should continue until the next harvest.” The cost of maritime freight has increased significantly. Added to diesel, which increases freight costs—the second largest expense for mills—it creates a ripple effect that reaches the final product. Even if the conflict subsides, the effects remain for months. :: Management, efficiency, and quality to face instability For Paloma Venturelli, competitiveness depends on rigorous management and strategic vision. She believes that the Paraná industry has intensified investments in plant modernization, replacing old machines with more efficient solutions, and focusing on quality to maintain stability and standardization. “The quality standard is the main competitive advantage of the mills,” she emphasizes. “Expertise in blends, extraction, and stability of the final product allows us to face periods of volatility without compromising delivery to the customer.” The state also stands out for recurring investments in updating its industrial park, with inaugurations and renovations that keep Paraná in the lead in the country. At the same time, structural bottlenecks continue to put pressure on the sector: the precariousness of road infrastructure and insufficient silo storage harm both producers and mills. Tax reform and the possible end of the 6×1 scale are also a concern due to the potential increase in labor costs. 

This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.