Agri- Commodities: 11-15/11/24

Grain markets began the week under pressure as a strengthening U.S. dollar weighed on dollar-denominated commodities. Corn and soybeans underwent expected corrections following recent gains, while Chicago wheat prices surprised the market by briefly touching 10-week lows. This decline was driven by improving U.S. weather, easing Russian cash prices, and the removal of some geopolitical risk premiums. Russian wheat prices fell, with 12.5% protein wheat quoted at $228/ton FOB, down $4 from last week. Notably, geopolitical tensions appeared to ease as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump encouraged de-escalation in Ukraine during a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On Tuesday, the downward trend in grains persisted, with wheat leading the declines. Funds showed little hesitation in maintaining short positions in wheat amid improving U.S. crop conditions. Notable activity in international tenders included Jordan purchasing 60,000 tons of milling wheat for February shipment and Algeria's ONAB seeking up to 240,000 tons of feed corn. U.S. weekly export inspections exceeded expectations across soybeans, corn, and wheat. Meanwhile, European customs data showed soft wheat exports at 8.34 MMT as of November 10, although still trailing last year’s levels. French crop estimates were revised upward, with soft wheat pegged at 25.56 MMT and maize at 14.62 MMT. U.S. winter wheat conditions improved, with 44% rated good/excellent, up from 41% the previous week.

Middle of the week, wheat prices continued their steep decline, with CBOT futures nearing August lows as bearish sentiment dominated. Corn fared better, supported by robust U.S. export demand, narrowing the price spread between wheat and corn. FranceAgriMer reduced its soft wheat export forecast to third countries, and ending stocks were revised upward to 2.78 MMT. In Russia, winter wheat sowing estimates reached a five-year low, but production was still forecast at a solid 84.5 MMT. Argentine wheat production was downgraded to 18.8 MMT due to delayed rains. Meanwhile, U.S. export sales to Mexico and unknown destinations boosted corn sentiment. On the financial side, speculative traders increased net short positions in MATIF milling wheat, while maintaining huge long positions in rapeseed.

On Thursday, grain markets struggled again, with CBOT wheat marking its sixth consecutive decline. Russian wheat crop estimates were slightly trimmed by Sovecon to 81.4 MMT for 2024, with next year’s forecast raised to 81.6 MMT. Russian exports slowed notably, with November estimates at 4 MMT, down from 6 MMT in October. Brazil’s CONAB made minor upward revisions to corn and soybean estimates, but USDA projections remained more optimistic. On the tender front, Jordan and Algeria re-entered the market for barley and corn, respectively. The USDA confirmed a soybean sale to unknown destinations, adding a modest bullish factor amid a broadly weaker grain complex.

Markets rebounded sharply to close the week on a positive note, led by technical buying and position adjustments. December MATIF wheat surged nearly 3%, driven by options expiration. Supportive soybean news included a record October crush by NOPA, at 199.96 million bushels, and China’s decision to cancel export tax rebates for certain biofuel feedstocks, boosting U.S. soybean oil prices. U.S. weekly export sales revealed wheat near the middle of expectations and corn and soybeans at the lower end. A significant fund inflow saw net long positions in corn rise to 110,000 contracts, marking the second-largest weekly increase in five years.

Other weekly recaps

September 14, 2026Commodities

Weekly Grains & Oilseeds Outlook : European wheat recovered in a thin session as US markets were closed for Labor Day, with MATIF supported by limited progress in Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Saudi Arabia cancelled its 535k-tonne wheat tender after judging offers too expensive following the Black Sea rally. Latvia also announced plans for a 300% tariff on grain arriving from Russia and Belarus, although it remained unclear whether transit cargoes would be included. Brent traded near $97/bbl amid renewed US-Iran tensions and slower Hormuz traffic, increasing bunker and freight costs. US wheat initially rallied as Chicago caught up with Monday’s MATIF move before giving back part of the gains. Pakistan entered the wheat market for 750k tonnes, providing another test of replacement values while Black Sea availability remained constrained. EU soft wheat exports reached 4.92 mmt by September 6, compared with internal line-ups of 5.74 mmt. US corn inspections remained strong at 1.66 mmt, while crop conditions slipped another point to 56% good to excellent. StoneX also lowered its US corn yield estimate to 182.9 bpa. Wheat and corn moved lower despite further attacks around Black Sea infrastructure as renewed discussion of US-mediated peace talks encouraged profit-taking. Ukrainian drones struck port infrastructure at Makhachkala on the Caspian Sea, while damage was also reported around Novorossiysk. Argentina’s wheat forecast was raised to 21.0 mmt, while MATIF non-commercial net length increased to a record 216.8k contracts. Jordan reportedly purchased 50k tonnes of feed barley at $318.5/t CnF, compared with $252.6/t in July, highlighting the sharp increase in nearby replacement values. Grain markets moved higher ahead of WASDE as energy prices surged again. Brent settled at $107.63/bbl after tanker attacks intensified and risks increased around both Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. Saudi Arabia tendered for 535k tonnes of milling wheat, while US new-crop corn export sales reached 1.99 mmt and wheat sales totaled 314k tonnes. French wheat quality remained strong, with 89% above 11% protein and 53% classified as premium grade. Grains came under pressure following the September WASDE. USDA reduced the US corn yield to 178.5 bpa from 180.7 and lowered ending stocks to 1.567 bln bushels, although both remained above market expectations. Global wheat stocks increased to 276.29 mmt despite USDA cutting Russian exports by 3 mmt and Ukrainian exports by 1 mmt. French corn conditions declined again to 26% good to excellent, while harvest reached 9%. Algeria also issued a tender for November soft wheat, providing another test of replacement values following the recent rally

September 7, 2026Commodities

Weekly Grains & Oilseeds Outlook : Wheat pulled back after Turkey said it had prepared a plan for safe Black Sea grain passage and was in contact with Russia and Ukraine, prompting profit-taking after the previous week’s contract highs. No agreement had been reached, however, and Black Sea loadings remained heavily disrupted. Corn retained stronger support, with US crop conditions unchanged at 57% good to excellent and export inspections reaching 1.50 mmt, taking marketing-year shipments 25% above last year. ABARES raised Australian wheat production to 29.9 mmt from 26.7 mmt and barley production to 16.4 mmt. Wheat moved to fresh highs after Russia rejected another attempt to de-escalate Black Sea attacks and fresh strikes damaged infrastructure in Odesa. Renewed US-Iran fighting also lifted energy markets, with Brent settling at $94.65/bbl and WTI at $90.22. EU soft wheat exports were reported at 4.16 mmt by August 30, only 0.16 mmt behind last year, although much of the weekly increase reflected delayed customs reporting rather than a sudden surge in shipments. Corn remained supported by US crop concerns despite some profit-taking across grain markets. Wheat and corn reached fresh contract highs before selling emerged later in the session. Russia suspended wheat, corn and barley export duties through December 31, although port access, vessel risk and freight remained the main constraints on Russian exports. Non-commercial participants increased their MATIF wheat net long by 51.9k contracts to 201.1k, while fund positioning in corn also remained elevated. Ukraine’s fell sharply in August, with grain exports at just 981k tonnes, down 58% y/y, as Black Sea disruption pushed volumes toward slower and more expensive alternatives. Germany’s wheat crop was estimated at 20.81 mmt, down 10.1%, while maize production was forecast at 3.75 mmt, down 24.2%. Wheat corrected sharply after comments from Putin raised the possibility of a peace agreement with Ukraine, encouraging profit-taking after the recent rally. Saudi Arabia tendered for 535k tonnes of milling wheat for November and December arrival. US new-crop corn export sales reached 1.99 mmt, while wheat sales were weaker at 314k tonnes. HRS sales included Egypt, an unusual destination as disrupted Black Sea supply continued to affect sourcing. Argentina began planting its 2026/27 corn crop, while the old-crop harvest reached 92.5% and wheat conditions remained broadly favourable. Wheat extended its correction as renewed peace efforts encouraged further liquidation, although talks between US envoys, Russia and Ukraine did not deliver an agreement. Latvia and Lithuania were considering restrictions on Russian grain exports through Baltic ports, potentially affecting routes Moscow had increasingly relied on as alternatives to the Black Sea. French maize conditions declined again to 27% good to excellent, while harvest reached 3% completion. Managed money increased its corn net long to 431.1k contracts, while Chicago wheat moved to a net long of 14.7k contracts for the first time in four months

August 31, 2026Commodities

Weekly Grains & Oilseeds Outlook : Corn extended its rally as US yield concerns intensified, while wheat gave back most early gains after comments about a possible diplomatic track on Black Sea shipping encouraged profit-taking. USDA cut US corn conditions by 3 pp to 57% good to excellent, below expectations and the lowest for this point in the season since 2023. EU maize prospects also deteriorated, with JRC lowering its yield forecast to 6.61 t/ha, 7% below the five-year average. Russian 12.5% wheat for late September fell to Novorossiysk, while August export expectations were reduced towards 1.8–2.0 mmt as southern logistics remained heavily constrained. Corn remained the strongest grain market as traders continued to question US yield potential, while wheat balanced worsening Black Sea execution against signs of diplomatic progress. Russia was reportedly considering suspending its grain export duty through year-end, which would improve exporter margins but would not resolve southern port constraints. Argentina’s 2026/27 corn area was held at 8.4 mha, while Agroconsult forecast Brazilian corn area rising around 3% year on year to 23.3 mha. Oil prices moved lower as Iran and Oman discussed a temporary shipping corridor and mine-clearing arrangement in the Strait of Hormuz. Wheat moved sharply higher as Black Sea risks escalated again, with CBOT reaching its daily limit while corn and soybeans also gained. Reports that Russia was preparing to intensify attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure added risk premium, while debris damaged a civilian vessel at Reni. NKHP said repairs to its damaged Novorossiysk terminal could take one to four months, while around 50–70 vessels were reportedly waiting near Sulina. EU soft wheat exports were officially reported at 2.38 mmt by August 23, although internal line-ups already indicated shipments above 4.2 mmt as replacement demand for European wheat increased. Tunisia also entered the market seeking 125k tonnes of soft wheat and 75k tonnes of feed barley. Wheat extended its rally as buyers continued shifting towards alternative origins, while corn eased after six consecutive higher sessions. The European Commission cut EU maize production by 1.8 mmt to 50.1 mmt, the lowest in 19 years, and raised imports to 25.0 mmt. EU soft wheat ending stocks were reduced to 11.3 mmt. Russia’s alternative export routes remained considerably more expensive, with Baltic movements estimated to add around $30–50/t, while available northern and eastern routes could replace only part of lost southern capacity. Australian wheat prospects improved to 30–32 mmt following better rainfall, while Argentina completed wheat planting across 6.5 mha. Wheat finished the week at new contract highs in Chicago, Kansas and MATIF as Black Sea disruption continued, while corn also moved higher. Russia’s Rostov region declared an emergency as port closures and navigation restrictions caused agricultural products to accumulate at farms. FranceAgriMer reduced French maize conditions to 28% good to excellent, the lowest level in records dating back to 2011. Managed money increased its corn net long by 126k contracts to 376.5k as of Tuesday, with estimates suggesting further buying later in the week. Energy prices also moved higher after the US and Iran exchanged attacks for the first time in around a month.

August 24, 2026Commodities

Weekly Grains & Oilseeds Outlook : Wheat started the week quietly despite further Russian strikes on Ukrainian port infrastructure, while corn remained supported by strong US export demand and growing uncertainty around yield potential. Russian 12.5% wheat for September fell to $215/t FOB Novorossiysk despite continuing logistical constraints. US corn export inspections reached 1.91 mmt, compared with 1.05 mmt a year earlier. Early Pro Farmer Crop Tour results were below last year, with Ohio corn estimated at 180.18 bpa and South Dakota at 149.09 bpa. US corn conditions also slipped another 1 pp to 60% good to excellent. Wheat corrected as further Black Sea disruption failed to extend the recent rally, while corn eased slightly after reaching its highest level since late May. Pro Farmer results remained below last year, with Indiana corn estimated at 183.54 bpa and Nebraska at 163.61 bpa. Germany’s DBV cut its winter wheat crop estimate by 7% year on year to 20.9 mmt. EU soft wheat exports were officially reported at 1.48 mmt through August 16, compared with 2.90 mmt last year, although internal line-ups indicated actual exports closer to 3.6 mmt. Jordan also returned to the wheat market after a 70-day break, purchasing around 60k tonnes at about $318.95/t C&F. Wheat rebounded strongly as the slowdown in Russian and Ukrainian exports became more visible, while corn reached fresh multi-month highs. Rusagrotrans estimated Russian August wheat exports at only 1.8 mmt, the lowest since 2010, while Ukraine exported just 794k tonnes of agricultural products during the first half of August. Pro Farmer’s Illinois corn estimate came in at 184.19 bpa, below 199.57 last year, while western Iowa results were also lower. A stronger euro added pressure to EU wheat competitiveness, while low Rhine water levels continued to restrict vessel loads and raise inland freight costs. Corn extended its rally as the Crop Tour continued to challenge USDA’s yield assumptions, while wheat remained firm amid restricted Black Sea exports. Iowa corn was estimated at 193.98 bpa versus 198.43 last year, while Minnesota reached 199.01 versus 202.86. USDA reported 1.049 mmt of combined old- and new-crop corn sales, while wheat sales reached 394k tonnes. Argentina’s corn harvest advanced to 81.3% but remained 13.7 pp behind the 10-year average because of wet fields and high grain moisture. The IGC also reduced its 2026/27 global production forecasts for corn to 1,305 mmt and wheat to 817 mmt. Corn finished the week firmly after Pro Farmer estimated the US crop at 15.344 bln bushels with a yield of 173.2 bpa, well below USDA’s 16.013 bln bushels and 180.7 bpa. Wheat eased as fewer new Black Sea headlines encouraged some profit-taking, although SovEcon lowered its Russian wheat crop estimate to 88.2 mmt. Ukraine’s grain exports through August 21 reached just 539k tonnes versus 1.73 mmt a year earlier, including 340k tonnes of wheat compared with 1.28 mmt last year. Managed money increased its net long in corn by 83.7k contracts to 250.5k, while French corn conditions held at 29% good to excellent after nine consecutive weekly declines.

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