Weekly Agri- Commodities Recap: 15-19/07/24
Jul 22, 2024
European wheat futures fell to a three-month low on Monday due to large U.S. and Russian harvest expectations and poor French crop prospects. Chicago wheat prices also dropped following a USDA report on higher U.S. production. Corn futures hit record lows amid favorable Midwest weather. Russia's IKAR raised its wheat crop forecast to 83.2 million metric tons. U.S. crop conditions remained stable, with spring wheat at 77% good/excellent.
On Tuesday, CBOT September corn rose slightly as traders took advantage of low prices. Wheat futures continued to decline, pressured by the Northern Hemisphere harvest and cheap Russian wheat. Egypt's GASC bought 770,000 metric tons of wheat, primarily from Russia. Ukraine exported 2.3 million metric tons of agricultural goods, with significant volumes of corn and wheat.
Wednesday saw modest gains in CBOT corn, though favorable Midwest weather capped increases. Wheat prices stabilized with a weaker dollar, and European wheat futures rose due to strong import demand. Algeria's OAIC purchased 770,000 metric tons of milling wheat. Jordan did not buy barley but plans a new tender. Romania reported drought damage to corn and sunflowers, with less impact on wheat.
On Thursday, Central and Northern European wheat markets paused as harvests began, with lower protein levels but higher yields. The Black Sea region sold 1.6 million metric tons of wheat for August and September. Tunisia announced a tender for 100,000 metric tons of animal feed barley. The International Grains Council raised its global grains production forecast, though stocks are expected to fall.
European wheat futures rose 4% on Friday due to poor French crop conditions. Ukraine's harvest reached 13.8 million metric tons, with significant wheat volumes. Tunisia likely purchased 100,000 metric tons of feed barley. CFTC-CBOT data showed a reduction in wheat speculators' short positions. Russia's IKAR revised its grain harvest forecast down to 128 million tons, with expected drops in barley and corn production.
Weekly Recaps
Freight
Freight Recap:
05/06/25
Jun 05, 2025
The Panamax Atlantic market showed signs of a strong rebound, especially in both the North and South where firmer bids and tightening tonnage contributed to rising sentiment. Fixtures suggested that some charterers may have overplayed their hand, triggering a jump in rates
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
26–30 /5/25 Agri
Jun 02, 2025
Monday opened quietly in Europe as U.S. markets remained closed for Memorial Day. MATIF wheat traded lower in thin volumes, but losses were limited by concerns over dry conditions in France and rising temperatures in Russia. The May JRC MARS Bulletin painted a mixed EU crop outlook, nudging soft wheat yield estimates slightly higher but trimming rapeseed expectations. Meanwhile, geopolitical noise grew louder with President Trump mulling new sanctions against Russia, and Germany lifting range restrictions on Ukrainian strikes using Western weapons.
Freight
Freight Recap:
29/05/25
May 29, 2025
The Atlantic market struggled with weak sentiment throughout the week. Following recent holidays, demand remained soft and fresh cargoes were limited, particularly in the North. In the South, while some fixing activity was noted, oversupply of ships continued to weigh heavily on rates. Owners faced increasing pressure as charterers held firm, and some vessels were reported fixing below last done.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
19-23/5/25 Agri
May 26, 2025
Grain markets exhibited volatility throughout Week 21, with wheat prices leading a mid-week rally before easing slightly into the weekend. Early in the week, MATIF milling wheat weakened in response to Saudi Arabia’s tender, which confirmed continued preference for competitively priced Black Sea wheat. Meanwhile, CBOT futures found strength, buoyed by a broader risk-on sentiment in financial markets after a brief dip following Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. credit rating. U.S. corn inspections came in strong, and planting progress remained well ahead of the five-year average, though winter wheat conditions unexpectedly declined. On the geopolitical front, markets briefly reacted to the news of prospective ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia, although subsequent clarifications tempered expectations.
