The International Grains Council met in London, emphasizing Artificial Intelligence as a game-changer for the grains trade. The Council also forecasted an 8% drop in global grain trade for 2024/25, with China’s imports potentially plunging 40%, even as global consumption reaches a record high, driven by rising demand for food, feed, and industrial uses.

The International Grains Council (IGC) placed Artificial Intelligence at the center of discussions during its late-January meeting in London. At the IGC Grains Forum 2025, members explored AI’s potential to optimize grain supply chains, improve storage and transportation, and support decision-making across the sector. “AI has the potential to enhance efficiencies across the grains value chain,” the Council noted, announcing plans to develop a platform for sharing insights and regulatory updates with the private sector.

Alongside AI, the Council reviewed global grain market trends. The Secretariat projected an 8% decline in global grain trade for 2024/25, with China’s imports potentially plummeting by 40%. Despite this, total consumption is expected to reach a record 2,235 million tons, driven by increased food, feed, and industrial demand. Global stocks are forecast to drop 5% year-on-year to a decade low of 573 million tons.

Soybean production is set to rise by 6% year-on-year, fueled by record South American output. Rice production is also expected to expand by 2%, with India’s reserves increasing. In contrast, pulse trade is predicted to contract by 2%, mainly due to weaker demand for dry peas.

The Council also introduced a new food security and trade monitoring dashboard to assist national authorities in refining trade strategies and enhancing market transparency.