WASHINGTON, DC, US — April-June semolina production totaled a record 9.13 million cwts, up 1.51 million, or 20%, from 7.62 million a year ago and up 993,000 cwts, or 12%, from 8.14 million cwts in the first quarter. The previous record quarter for semolina production was January-March 1994 at 8.77 million cwts, followed by October-December 1993 at 8.71 million.

Semolina output in the first half of 2020 also amounted to a record 17.27 million cwts, up 11.2% over 15.53 million a year back. January-June 1994 at 16.89 million was second followed by 2011 at 16.77 million.

Durum grind in April-June aggregated 19.38 million bushels, up 12% from 17.32 million in the first quarter. It was the largest since January-March 2001 at 19.42 million bushels and January-March 1994 at 19.4 million. It also was up 21% over 16.02 million bushels a year ago. Durum grind in January-June totaled 36.7 million bushels, up 13% over 32.49 million a year back.

Daily 24-hour milling capacity for durum and semolina production was 131,330 cwts unchanged from the first quarter and a year ago.

Durum mills in April-June operated at a record 90.3% of 24-hour capacity, against 80.5% in the first quarter and 75.4% a year ago.