Drought in Russia and heavy rains in parts of the European Union continue to raise concerns about sowing conditions, but short-term export competition from Black Sea suppliers continues to keep a lid on price gains, traders said.
December wheat on the Euronext Paris exchange fell 0.1% to 221.00 euros ($) per tonne. The contract has risen 2% over the week.
"The market is hesitant ahead of the USDA report on Monday," a futures dealer said.
The USDA's quarterly estimates of U.S. grain stocks are among the most closely watched data by traders. The agency will also update its estimate of the U.S. wheat crop in a separate report.
Drought concerns were heightened this week after consultancy Sovecon reported that winter wheat sowings in Russia were at their lowest level in 11 years.
In another sign of the drought's impact, Russia on Friday raised its corn export duty by almost tenfold.
However, wheat produced in Russia and other Black Sea countries continues to reach export markets at competitive prices, traders say.
Traders said 12.5% Russian wheat for October delivery was quoted well below EU prices on Friday at $215-$218 a tonne free on board (FOB).
Ukrainian milling and feed wheat was again offered to EU buyers at low prices: Ukrainian 11% milling wheat was quoted in northern Italy at €230 to €235 per tonne, including delivery for prompt delivery.
"We still see no sign of a significant price increase for Russian exports this week, despite lower Russian crop estimates and concerns about poor sowing weather in Russia," said one German trader.
"Even Black Sea exporters to the EU look expensive compared to Russia."
Romanian wheat with 12.5% protein content is quoted at around $238-$241 a tonne FOB for October delivery, traders said.
International demand was subdued as traders waited to see whether Türkiye would ease its import ban.