Agri- Commodities: 31/3- 4/4/25
Apr 07, 2025
Monday Grain markets kicked off the week digesting the USDA’s planting intentions report, which offered mild support to wheat and modest pressure on corn. However, corn still managed to finish higher for the old crop, while soybeans slipped slightly. Export inspections showed strong performance for corn and solid showings for wheat and soybeans. Winter wheat conditions held steady in Kansas but declined in Texas and Oklahoma. Market attention began shifting toward President Trump’s anticipated tariff announcement, raising questions over potential trade fallout.
Tuesday On Tuesday, all three major grains moved higher, led by a 2% surge in soybeans, driven by firmer soyoil prices and biofuel-related demand optimism. Weather forecasts called for heavy rainfall across key U.S. planting regions, raising the risk of delays but offering potential moisture benefits for winter crops. European markets remained concerned over persistent dryness across northern regions. Meanwhile, the USDA’s attaché in Morocco reported a modest recovery in wheat production. The market remained cautious ahead of the imminent tariff announcement.
Wednesday Wednesday brought a mixed performance, with grains closing narrowly changed as markets braced for the rollout of Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs. The new measures introduced a baseline 10% duty on all nations, with steeper penalties for key trading partners including China and the EU. While equity markets sold off sharply, grains remained resilient. In India, a third consecutive record wheat harvest was forecast, though export restrictions remain. Speculative positioning revealed heavy short interest in MATIF wheat, while rapeseed attracted fresh buying.
Thursday On Thursday, soybeans sold off sharply under renewed trade war fears, while corn and wheat recovered earlier losses and briefly traded higher. OPEC+ surprised markets by raising output, contributing to a sharp drop in oil prices. The strengthening euro weighed on EU grain competitiveness. U.S. export sales were mixed, with strong wheat figures offsetting more tepid corn and soybean totals. Winter wheat conditions globally were mostly favorable, though some regions face drought-induced risks.
Friday Friday saw fresh volatility as China announced 34% tariffs on U.S. goods, dealing a heavy blow to soybeans, which fell over 3%. Corn ended higher, and wheat was mixed, with Euronext supported by currency movements. French wheat conditions improved, widening the quality gap versus last year. Meanwhile, recession fears mounted as JPMorgan projected a 2025 downturn tied to trade tensions, and funds extended bearish positions in corn and wheat while trimming shorts in soybeans.
Weekly Recaps
Freight
Freight Recap:
18/12/25
Dec 18, 2025
The dry bulk market saw a softer overall tone, with Handysize holding largely flat, Supramax weakening across both basins, and Panamax continuing its decline despite some localized Atlantic support. Activity levels remained muted in many regions, with owners increasingly seeking cover ahead of the holiday period. The Atlantic showed mixed signals across segments, while the Pacific faced longer tonnage lists and weaker demand, keeping pressure on rates.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
08-12/12/25 Agri
Dec 15, 2025
CBOT markets finished lower ahead of Tuesday’s WASDE, which was widely expected to lack bullish surprises. MATIF wheat was the exception, posting small gains. Russian 12.5% protein wheat FOB for January delivery edged up by $0.5 w/w to $227.5/t, according to IKAR. Geopolitical headlines remained in focus after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said US-brokered peace talks remain stalled over security guarantees and control of eastern Ukraine, particularly the Donbas.
Freight
Freight Recap:
11/12/25
Dec 11, 2025
The dry bulk market saw a softer overall tone, with Handysize holding largely flat, Supramax weakening across both basins, and Panamax continuing its decline despite some localized Atlantic support. Activity levels remained muted in many regions, with owners increasingly seeking cover ahead of the holiday period. The Atlantic showed mixed signals across segments, while the Pacific faced longer tonnage lists and weaker demand, keeping pressure on rates.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
01-05/12/25 Agri
Dec 08, 2025
USDA announced no new flash sales, disappointing soybean markets. Weekly export sales remain delayed and have not yet reached the period covering the US–China trade deal, leaving the true pace of buying uncertain. CBOT corn and wheat eased, while March MATIF wheat posted small gains after finding support at intraday contract lows. ABARES raised Australia’s 2025/26 wheat, barley, and canola output, though the increases were broadly in line with expectations. Algeria’s OAIC issued a soft wheat tender for February shipment, and Russian wheat prices slipped again, with 12.5% FOB for January at $227/t.
