Weekly Agri- Commodities Recap: 01-05/04/24
Apr 09, 2024
The week began with lower CBOT wheat and corn prices following a rally triggered by the previous Thursday's USDA report. Concerns over Ukrainian exports and Saudi Arabia's increased wheat purchases were notable. US weekly export inspections showed mixed results, with wheat and corn exceeding expectations, while soybeans fell short. Traders awaited EURONEXT's reopening and monitored Russian and Ukrainian export activities closely.
Grain prices fell on Tuesday, reversing gains from the previous week amid favorable US winter wheat ratings and easing concerns over Russian wheat exports. Chinese customs' directives to limit foreign corn deliveries raised uncertainties over demand. USDA attachés released forecasts for various countries, including projections of record wheat harvests in India and Pakistan. India's call to refrain from purchasing new-season wheat aimed to support government reserves.
Wednesday saw US grains and oilseeds futures close higher, with wheat leading the surge due to Black Sea-related headlines and a weaker dollar. Reports of Ukrainian drone strikes and Russia's grain export restrictions added to market dynamics. Buyer activity increased with tenders announced by Tunisia, Jordan, and Iran. Non-commercial participants reduced net short positions in MATIF milling wheat despite price drops, reflecting cautious market sentiment amidst geopolitical tensions.
Grain prices ended mixed on Thursday, with attention shifting to US jobs data and weather forecasts. Tenders from Jordan and Tunisia contributed to market activity, while US weekly export sales showed modest results. Notable events included redirected US wheat shipments to China and drought concerns in the US winter wheat area. Outside markets, including oil prices and Fed discussions on rate cuts, influenced market sentiment.
Wheat prices closed the week higher amid rising tensions in the Black Sea region, while corn prices slightly declined despite supportive news from Argentina. Geopolitical developments, including Ukrainian strikes and Russian assaults, added to market uncertainty. France reported a decrease in wheat ratings, while Argentina revised its corn crop estimate downward. Funds maintained relatively stable positions in CBOT despite important USDA reports released earlier in the week.
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.
