HAROPA PORT is in the top place in Western Europe for maritime exports of cereals. The current good cereal season shows yet again the competitiveness and dynamism of a strategic sector on the Seine axis.
The port of Rouen enjoys a unique geographical location, at the bottom of the estuary and in the heart of agricultural land. Thanks to its location and the expertise of operators, the port of Rouen remains the European leader for the export of French cereals and agricultural products. This agro-industrial hub, close to the main production areas, has a complete range of services and facilities for storage, control, preparation, loading and transport of goods in compliance with buyers’ specifications.
5.6MT OF WHEAT EXPORTED AT THE END OF FEBRUARY 2026
The 2025-2026 cereal season is going well. At the end of February, a total of 5.6mt (millions tonnes) of cereals shipped to the whole world passed through Rouen’s terminals. Since the month of July, the dynamism of exports has not faded over the months. The main products handled in Rouen are soft wheat, malting and fodder barley and, in the last two years, corn has been making a comeback at Rouen’s cereal terminals. Finally, in addition to oilseed flows, for the import and export — and for the production — of biofuels, the range of products now also includes cocoa, peas, field beans, semolina, animal feed, vegetable oils, malt.
While Morocco remains the main destination for wheat exports with nearly 2mt, the current season is characterized by a high diversity of recipient countries. Other exports go to the European Union, West Africa, South and Central America — represented notably by Mexico — and, to a lesser extent, the countries of the Near and Middle East. Shipments have not slowed down since the beginning of the campaign. This performance should be viewed in relation to the strong global competition resulting from the good harvests this year.
A NEW GRAIN ELEVATOR UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The competitiveness and know-how of operators in Rouen allow for a market share exceeding 50% for the maritime export of French cereals. The port of Rouen remains active and attractive, the construction of a new cereal silo by Groupe BZ is a perfect example. The new equipment, with a capacity of 55,000 tonnes, will be put into service during the next cereal season. At the same time, HAROPA PORT has modernized and renovated the Petit-Couronne wharf with a new berth of 260m that can accommodate ships with a load draught of 11.30m, compared to 10.60m previously.