UK imports: cereals
UK imports: cereals stood at £585m in Aug 2026, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the Trade in goods table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 1997 to Aug 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Trade in goods table
| Indicator | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imports by commodity (SITC division) | |||||||||||
| Cereals | 585 | 578 | 612 | 618 | 581 | 588 | 583 | 573 | 593 | 591 | |
| Coffee, tea and cocoa | 522 | 545 | 577 | 623 | 600 | 619 | 629 | 651 | 654 | 633 |
Understanding UK imports: cereals
Inbound commercial deliveries of wheat, maize, rice, barley, oats, rye, and other unmilled or processed cereal grains arriving in the United Kingdom from international markets form this series. Stated in £m, the data measures staple grain imports utilised by milling, brewing, and animal feed industries. This category is distinct from vegetable, fruit, and meat imports, isolating cereal grains and primary grain preparations. The monthly compilation captures trade from global agricultural exporting nations.
Global harvest timings, international grain exchange prices, and weather-driven crop yields create substantial volatility in these monthly import figures. Early statistical estimates are subject to frequent revisions as bulk cargo weights and customs declarations are verified. Analysts must evaluate these values alongside global commodity market trends and domestic harvest reports, utilising year-on-year comparisons to avoid seasonal harvest distortions. Care should be taken not to confuse raw cereal grains with prepared animal feeds or bakery products.
Frequently asked questions
- Are milled flour and breakfast cereals included here?
- Milled grain flour is included in this division, whereas finished bakery items are classified elsewhere.
- Does this category cover animal feed grains?
- Yes, feed-grade maize and barley imports are captured alongside food-grade cereals.
- Why are annual comparisons preferred over monthly changes for cereals?
- Northern and southern hemisphere harvest seasons create massive predictable swings in monthly trade that annual analysis neutralises.