May 26, 2026

Agri- Commodities: 18-22/05/26

Monday

Agricultural markets started the week firmer, led by corn and Chicago wheat, as traders focused on expectations that both commodities could benefit from potential Chinese purchases of US agricultural goods. Wheat markets also found additional support from another deterioration in US winter wheat conditions, which fell to the lowest level for this time of year since 1996. European wheat followed higher as well, although gains were more limited due to expectations that any Chinese buying would mainly reshape existing trade flows rather than create entirely new demand.

US crop progress showed rapid planting pace for corn, soybeans, and spring wheat, all running ahead of expectations. At the same time, MARS lowered EU yield estimates for both wheat and barley, with declines expected across most of Europe. Export inspections were disappointing for wheat, while soybeans continued to lag sharply behind last year’s export pace to China. In the background, markets also reacted to renewed geopolitical uncertainty after Trump postponed planned strikes on Iran to allow more time for negotiations, while the EU warned that the Iran conflict could weaken growth and increase inflationary pressure.

Tuesday

US wheat prices initially rallied following the poor winter wheat ratings, but gains faded later in the session as China still had not confirmed the agricultural purchase commitments discussed by the US. Outside of that, trading was relatively quiet, with attention increasingly shifting toward longer-term planting incentives and geopolitical risks surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

Global supply outlooks remained mixed. Germany increased winter wheat area modestly for the 2026 harvest, while analysts in Brazil warned that soybean area growth could slow sharply due to weak margins and high fertilizer costs. Algeria secured milling wheat in an international tender, while Jordan again refrained from purchasing wheat. EU exports remained ahead of last year, though the pace has slowed. Meanwhile, NATO discussions about a potential Hormuz shipping mission highlighted growing concerns around global energy supply security.

Wednesday

Grain markets were broadly weaker midweek as sharply lower oil prices pressured sentiment across commodities. Milling wheat was the exception, supported by unconfirmed reports of French wheat demand from unusual destinations such as Mexico. The absence of any confirmed Chinese buying continued to disappoint traders and limited broader upside momentum.

Weather conditions became a growing concern across several regions. Forecasts pointed to increasing dryness and above-normal temperatures across most of Europe, while Russia was expected to receive beneficial rainfall that could support winter crops but further delay sowing. In the US, conditions remained mostly favorable for completing planting, including some relief rain in key HRW wheat areas. Positioning data showed non-commercial participants sharply increasing their net long in MATIF wheat and rapeseed, reflecting stronger confidence in European markets compared with CBOT.

Thursday

CBOT grain prices continued to ease on Thursday, while MATIF wheat remained comparatively resilient. Traders appeared increasingly cautious ahead of the US Memorial Day weekend, especially after the strong rally seen earlier in the month. Oil prices remained relatively stable, removing some of the outside-market support for US grains.

Fundamentally, several major exporters updated their outlooks. Argentina announced lower export taxes for wheat and barley beginning next year, while Turkey projected a sharp rebound in cereal production. Germany’s DRV revised wheat area slightly higher but still expects lower production year-on-year. The IGC maintained its global corn forecast but trimmed wheat production again. US export sales were dominated by exceptionally strong corn demand, particularly from Japan and Mexico, while drought concerns in US winter wheat areas remained elevated despite a slight weekly improvement. There is also talk that Russia is actively selling wheat to Brazil. If true, this should soon be confirmed by .

Friday

Wheat prices ended the week lower, while corn and soybeans posted modest gains ahead of the long US holiday weekend. With CBOT closed on Monday, attention shifted toward how markets would react to ongoing US-Iran negotiations once trading resumed. Oil prices moved sharply lower after Trump said talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz were progressing constructively, although uncertainty remained over how quickly any agreement could materialize.

In Europe, French wheat conditions remained stable and comfortably above last year’s levels, though persistent hot and dry weather continues to raise concerns. Germany also secured a new phytosanitary agreement allowing wheat exports to Indonesia, opening access to one of the world’s largest import markets. In South America, Argentina further raised both soybean and corn production estimates, reinforcing expectations for very large exportable supplies. Positioning data showed funds reducing long exposure in corn and soybeans while covering part of their Chicago wheat short position.

Other weekly recaps

May 18, 2026Commodities

Agri- Commodities: 11-15/05/26 : Grain markets started the week sharply higher as tensions in the US-Iran conflict intensified ahead of the USDA WASDE report and the Trump-Xi meeting. US winter wheat ratings fell to the second lowest level for this week in 30 years, while wheat futures moved higher again overnight following the weaker-than-expected crop conditions report. Russian wheat export values also remained firm as markets focused on tightening global supply expectations. The USDA’s first 2026/27 balance sheets delivered a bullish tone for wheat, with US production projected down 11.5 mmt y/y and world wheat output expected to fall by around 25 mmt across major exporters. Corn and soybeans received more supportive-than-bearish balance sheets as well, with global ending stocks for both crops coming in below expectations. Wheat prices surged following the WASDE release, with both Kansas and Chicago wheat futures closing limit up after USDA projected the lowest US HRW wheat production in 69 years. The market was additionally supported by poor crop conditions and disappointing yield estimates from the Wheat Quality Council’s Kansas tour. Outside the US, France projected a sharp drop in maize plantings for 2026 as farmers react to low prices and weak margins, while continued pointing to stronger EU wheat exports than official customs data suggested. The Strait of Hormuz remained effectively closed as oil prices posted a third straight daily gain, adding broader support to commodity markets. Wheat prices turned lower midweek after another failed attempt to rally further, while traders shifted their focus toward the US-China summit in Beijing. Kansas wheat remained relatively supported by poor crop conditions and concerns over global wheat production, including sharply lower forecasts for Argentina’s upcoming crop. Elsewhere, Morocco suspended wheat imports after rainfall boosted its cereals harvest expectations to 9 mmt. France also slightly increased its wheat export outlook, while fund positioning remained volatile as non-commercial traders sharply reduced their MATIF wheat net long during the previous reporting week. A wave of liquidation hit grain markets on Thursday after the Trump-Xi meeting failed to deliver major new Chinese buying commitments. Soybeans led the decline, with losses quickly spreading into corn and wheat, while MATIF wheat remained somewhat less sensitive than CBOT markets. The final Kansas wheat tour estimate confirmed a 27% y/y drop in average yields, reinforcing concerns over the US HRW crop. At the same time, drought coverage across US winter wheat areas increased again, while both Brazil and Argentina updated crop estimates showing larger soybean and corn supplies but weaker wheat outlooks. The week ended with sharp losses across grains and oilseeds as speculative positioning built ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting was aggressively liquidated. Wheat fell back to pre-WASDE levels, while corn tested key chart support despite continued strength in oil prices. Over the weekend, however, China and the US announced progress toward a preliminary agricultural trade agreement, including soybean tariff relief and expanded US agricultural purchases. Meanwhile, fund positioning showed managed money increasing its Chicago wheat short despite the earlier wheat rally, while reducing long exposure in corn and soybeans.

May 11, 2026Commodities

Agri- Commodities: 04-08/05/26 : Ag markets started the week firmer as rising oil prices supported grains, with soymeal and Chicago wheat leading gains. Iran struck the UAE as the US escorted ships through the Strait of Hormuz, adding fresh geopolitical risk to commodity markets. Saudi Arabia bought 985k tons of wheat for June–August shipment, while Russian 12.5% protein wheat FOB values for early June rose to $238.5/t. US winter wheat ratings improved slightly nationwide, though key HRW states continued to decline. Corn and soybean planting remained ahead of average pace, while strong US corn export inspections and an upward revision to Brazil’s corn crop added to the market focus. Grains turned lower on Tuesday as improving weather forecasts pressured wheat and weaker oil prices triggered profit-taking in corn and soybeans. Markets also reacted to signs of easing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz after the US paused its naval escort operation. Crop concerns, however, remained in focus. Oklahoma’s wheat tour projected sharply lower yields and production compared with last year, while traders also looked ahead to the upcoming Wheat Quality Council tour across major US wheat states. Oil prices plunged and stock markets rallied on reports that the US and Iran may be nearing a deal to end the war, sending most grain and oilseed markets lower. Kansas wheat was the exception, recovering on ongoing US weather concerns and new frost risks. Elsewhere, Algeria bought an estimated 390k–420k tons of wheat in its latest tender, while Tunisia projected a larger domestic harvest after favorable rainfall. Fund activity remained aggressive, with non-commercial traders significantly increasing net longs in both MATIF wheat and rapeseed. Markets finished mostly lower but recovered well from intraday lows as oil prices rebounded later in the session. Kansas wheat remained under pressure despite continued concerns over US HRW crop conditions. The US Drought Monitor showed 70% of US winter wheat areas affected by drought, far above last year’s levels. Export sales disappointed for wheat and soybeans, while tensions in the Strait of Hormuz escalated again after renewed exchanges between the US and Iran. US wheat futures outperformed European markets on Friday, while corn and soybeans also ended firmer ahead of the USDA’s first 2026/27 balance sheet projections. Energy prices moved higher again as peace talks between the US and Iran appeared to stall. Analysts expect lower US wheat and corn production in the new season, while managed money continued aggressively adding to corn and soybean longs. Funds bought 80k corn contracts as markets whipsawed on Iran headlines.

May 4, 2026Commodities

Agri- Commodities: 27-01/05/26 : Ag markets started the week firmer, supported by higher oil prices, though performance diverged across the complex. Soymeal led with a near 3% gain, while Chicago wheat rose more than 2%, in contrast to slightly weaker nearby MATIF wheat. Saudi Arabia’s GFSA purchased 985k tons of wheat for June–August arrival, exceeding the initial tender volume, with prices ranging from $273.33 to $285.00/t CnF, while Russian 12.5% protein wheat for May held steady at $237/t. In Europe, MARS raised EU soft wheat yield estimates by 1% to 6.05 t/ha, though still down y/y, with Spain expected to see the largest decline. US winter wheat conditions remained weak at 30% G/E and spring wheat planting lagged, while corn and soybean planting moved quickly. Export inspections showed corn and wheat still ahead of last year, while soybeans lagged, and soymeal futures surged after the Netherlands rejected Argentine cargoes containing the HB4 gene. Wheat markets posted a sharp rally, with Chicago and Kansas futures rising more than 4% and MATIF gaining around 2.5% on heavy volume. Strength in oil prices, tightening US wheat balance sheet expectations, and ongoing weather risks contributed to the move, with funds actively adjusting positions. Geopolitical developments remained central, with reports of a prolonged US naval blockade targeting Iranian trade flows and the UAE’s exit from OPEC raising questions about cohesion within the group. On fundamentals, Canadian wheat production was projected lower at 36.2 mmt, EU export data remained incomplete despite stronger line-up signals, and India proposed regulatory changes to allow higher ethanol blending. The wheat rally paused midweek, though MATIF continued higher, with December futures reaching levels last seen in July 2025. Corn extended its upward trend with a ninth consecutive higher close, approaching key levels, while positioning adjustments were expected ahead of the long weekend. Global supply expectations shifted, with Australian wheat production forecast to fall to 29.0 mmt in 2026/27 due to lower area and yields, aligning with expectations of smaller crops across major exporters. Positioning data showed funds turning net long in MATIF wheat and extending longs in rapeseed, while the US maintained its blockade stance on Iran, keeping pressure on oil markets. With European markets closed, trading activity was quieter, and US wheat saw only marginal movement, while corn remained strong, pushing the December 2026 contract to a new multi-year high. Kansas wheat weakened slightly on improved rainfall forecasts in key areas. In Europe, French wheat conditions edged lower but remained above last year’s levels, while maize planting advanced quickly. The European Commission adjusted its balance sheet with higher production and lower exports, India resumed wheat exports after four years, and fund positioning showed continued strength in corn and wheat while soybean longs were trimmed.

April 20, 2026Commodities

Agri- Commodities: 20-24/04/26 : Oil prices started the week firmer, offering some support to Chicago wheat, while Kansas wheat diverged and closed lower as weather forecasts turned slightly more favorable in the US Plains. With markets closely tracking both weather updates and US-Iran developments, sentiment remained highly reactive. Trump signaled he is unlikely to extend the ceasefire beyond midweek, though talks are still ongoing and a deal remains possible. US fundamentals were broadly supportive for wheat. Winter wheat conditions fell another 4 pp to 30% G/E, with Kansas dropping sharply to 24%. Planting progress for corn, soybeans, and spring wheat continued at a steady pace, all slightly ahead of average. Export inspections showed strong wheat demand, while soybean shipments to China remained significantly below last year. Russian wheat FOB prices edged higher, and India approved additional wheat exports, although large-scale shipments remain uncertain. At the same time, China projected a long-term decline in soybean imports, pointing to structural demand changes. Grains and oilseeds moved higher after a slow start as oil prices strengthened on uncertainty around US-Iran negotiations. Despite ongoing geopolitical noise, market focus is increasingly shifting toward global weather conditions. Trump extended the ceasefire indefinitely while maintaining the blockade, keeping uncertainty elevated. Global supply developments remained mixed. Argentina’s corn crop estimate was raised significantly above USDA levels, suggesting potential upward revisions ahead, while Morocco expects its cereals harvest to double following improved rainfall. In contrast, cold weather in Ukraine may delay spring planting. On the demand side, Jordan secured wheat at slightly lower prices, while US export activity remained active with additional corn sales. Currency movements offered some support to EU wheat competitiveness, while the stronger ruble continued to pressure Russian exporters. Markets remained choppy, driven by weather uncertainty and continued geopolitical headlines. Oil prices rebounded further, yet equity markets continued to rally, indicating broader risk appetite. Grain markets also reflected ongoing discussions around planting decisions amid rising input costs. Supply-side updates pointed to both upside and risks. Russia’s wheat crop forecast was raised, though cold weather is delaying spring sowing in both Russia and Ukraine. Argentina and Australia are expected to reduce wheat area, highlighting potential tightening in future supply. EU exports continued to outpace last year, while positioning data showed speculative participants shifting back to a net short in MATIF wheat. Meanwhile, renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, including vessel seizures, supported oil prices and added volatility. Kansas wheat surged to new multi-month highs as dry conditions in the US Plains persisted, with drought coverage rising further. The rally spilled over into Chicago and MATIF wheat, while corn and soybeans traded more quietly. Weather remains the dominant driver, with limited rainfall expected in key regions. Globally, production signals were mixed. The IGC lowered both corn and wheat output estimates, while uncertainty around India’s wheat crop increased due to weather damage. Demand remained active, with Saudi Arabia issuing a large wheat tender. showed strong corn demand but weak wheat figures. Trade flows also drew attention, with reports of Polish wheat sales to the US and potential Russian shipments to Brazil indicating shifting trade dynamics. Markets ended the week mixed. Wheat prices eased as improved rain prospects weighed on Kansas futures, while corn remained stable and soybeans edged higher. Geopolitical developments continued to create uncertainty, though market reactions remained relatively muted. Negotiations between the US and Iran showed limited progress, with conflicting signals around the Strait of Hormuz and broader deal terms. In grains, French wheat conditions slipped slightly but remained well above last year, while maize planting advanced well. Dry conditions across Europe and rising temperatures remain a concern heading into the next week. Positioning data showed funds adding to long positions in corn and soybeans while increasing their net short in wheat.

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