Agri- Commodities 11-15/08/25

Aug 18, 2025

Monday Grain markets experienced another volatile week as political developments, trade disputes, and bearish USDA data drove sentiment. Early in the week, soybeans surged on speculation that Chinese buying might resume following Donald Trump’s extension of tariff pauses, but corn and wheat failed to follow. Export inspections painted a mixed picture, with corn and soybeans performing well while wheat lagged. The USDA’s August WASDE loomed large over the market, with traders bracing for higher yield estimates.

Tuesday Tuesday’s WASDE delivered exactly that, confirming record U.S. corn and soybean yields. The sharp acreage shift in favor of corn left the report particularly bearish for that market, sending corn and wheat futures to fresh contract lows. Soybeans, however, rebounded strongly as the smaller planted area offset yield increases. Additional pressure came from China’s imposition of a 75.8% anti-dumping duty on Canadian canola imports, a move that is expected to reshape oilseed trade flows. Meanwhile, Sovecon raised its Russian wheat forecast to 85.2 mmt, reinforcing ample global supply expectations.

Wednesday By midweek, soybeans extended their rally with a third consecutive strong gain, fueled by the acreage shock and expectations that August yield estimates could be revised lower later in the season. Corn and wheat managed modest rebounds after heavy selling, though gains were limited. European markets grappled with contrasting conditions—France reported improved crop quality, while Lithuania declared a state of emergency after excessive rains. In South America, Argentina’s corn outlook was clouded by pest pressure in the north despite plans to expand plantings.

Thursday Thursday saw soybeans abruptly reverse lower as the lack of tangible Chinese demand undermined bullish sentiment. Corn prices appeared to stabilize ahead of the closely watched Pro Farmer Crop Tour. Wheat diverged, with MATIF finding support from euro weakness and German and French quality data, while U.S. futures softened. Strong U.S. export sales helped limit losses, while Brazil’s CONAB lifted its corn forecast to 137 mmt, underscoring abundant supply.

Friday Markets ended Friday on firmer footing, led by corn, which gained over 2% on short covering ahead of the Trump–Putin summit and the start of the Crop Tour. The Alaska summit, however, was widely seen as a geopolitical win for Russia, leaving uncertainty for Ukraine and broader trade relations. Soybeans drew support from NOPA’s stronger-than-expected crush data, while positioning data showed funds actively reducing shorts in soybeans but adding to wheat exposure. In the background, harvest progress in Ukraine and strong production prospects in Australia highlighted the resilience of global grain supplies.

Weekly Recaps

Freight

Freight Recap:
13/11/25

Nov 13, 2025

The dry bulk market showed a mixed performance, with Handysize activity remaining limited, Supramax maintaining firmer sentiment, and Panamax extending its gains on stronger fundamentals. The Atlantic generally held a positive tone across most segments, while the Pacific remained steady but slower, with Asian Handysize and Supramax markets facing softer enquiry and longer tonnage lists. Period interest persisted in both Supramax and Panamax sectors, supported by balanced fundamentals and improving demand signals.

Commodities

Agri- Commodities:
03-07/11/25 Agri

Nov 10, 2025

Soybeans extended their rally on expectations of accelerating Chinese demand, while rumors of U.S. wheat sales to China lifted Chicago futures. Corn stayed firm after StoneX raised its U.S. yield estimate to 186.0 bu/acre, though many still expect revisions lower in upcoming reports. Harvest progress reached 91% for soybeans and 83% for corn, with winter wheat planting nearly complete at 91%.

Export inspections totaled 965k t of soybeans, 1.67 mmt of corn, and 350k t of wheat—broadly in line with expectations. Despite easing trade tensions, Chinese importers continued booking cheaper Brazilian soybeans, reportedly 20 cargoes for December through mid-2026. Kazakhstan’s agriculture ministry reported a 27.1 mmt total harvest, including 20.3 mmt of wheat, far above USDA’s 16 mmt estimate.

Freight

Freight Recap:
06/11/25

Nov 06, 2025

The dry bulk market experienced a generally softer tone this week, with most segments facing mild corrections. The Handysize and Supramax sectors saw limited fresh activity, while the Panamax market showed brief midweek stability before continuing its downward trajectory. Weak demand across basins and growing vessel availability placed pressure on rates, though select regional improvements offered some support.

Commodities

Agri- Commodities:
27-31/10/25 Agri

Nov 03, 2025

Grain markets opened the week firmer after upbeat headlines on a potential U.S.–China trade deal lifted risk appetite across commodities. The optimism came despite limited clarity on agricultural commitments and lingering pressure from weaker export data.

Russian wheat prices were slightly lower, while EU maize yields were trimmed further. In Argentina, the peso strengthened after President Javier Milei’s party secured a midterm victory. U.S. harvest progress advanced, though export inspections remained subdued.

Start Your Free Trial

Accelerate your competitive edge with CM Navigator.

No commitments, just pure insight.

Start your 10-day free trial. No commitment