Weekly Agri- Commodities Recap: 29/07-02/08/24
Aug 05, 2024
Monday started with weaker futures markets as Russian wheat production increased while French wheat faced quality issues due to adverse weather. Algeria bought 100,000 tons of barley at around USD 218.80. Russia's central bank raised interest rates to 18%. Net short positions in wheat, corn, and soybeans were reduced.
Tuesday saw wheat futures recover nicely after an early dip, with corn and soybeans also slightly improved. Russian wheat prices hovered around USD 220. The Swiss grain harvest was disappointing, with yields down 30% due to a wet spring, mirroring poor results in France. Tunisia announced a tender for 125,000 metric tons of soft milling wheat and 50,000 tons of durum wheat. USDA export inspections showed strong numbers for soybeans, wheat, and corn.
Wednesday futures markets closed weaker, starting the day in the red. The cash grain market felt weaker with increased offers from the Black Sea region and subdued demand. U.S. corn and wheat looked attractive due to competitive prices. Brazil saw strong movement with farmers bringing soybeans and corn to market, with the corn harvest advancing rapidly. Tunisia acquired 125,000 metric tons of soft milling wheat and 50,000 metric tons of durum wheat.
Thursday saw Chicago corn futures drop below USD 4.00 for the first time in four years. Wheat markets were mixed, while the bean oil share gained. Jordan passed on a barley tender but will issue a new one on August 7. Cash grain markets were quiet, with Russian wheat showing a weaker tone. The French wheat harvest continued to disappoint. Taiwan's MFIG purchased 65,000 metric tons of Brazilian corn, and Ukraine’s 2024 grain forecast was reduced to 71.8 million metric tons due to heatwaves. Friday saw slight short covering in CBOT due to a weaker U.S. dollar, though European prices stayed weak. The USDA reported a private sale of 202,000 tons of soybeans to China for the 2024/2025 marketing year. Funds reduced their net short in corn while increasing their net short in soybeans. Concerns about a potential U.S. recession impacted global markets and currencies, offering some short-term support for CBOT prices. Weather forecasts suggest favorable conditions for harvest progress in France.
Weekly Recaps
Freight
Freight Recap:
20/11/25
Nov 20, 2025
The dry bulk market showed a steady but uneven performance, with Handysize activity quiet, Supramax maintaining a firm underlying tone, and Panamax supported by stronger fundamentals in both basins. The Atlantic remained broadly stable, supported by positional tightness in some regions, while the Pacific held steady despite lighter fixing. Period and voyage activity continued across segments, reflecting balanced supply and demand dynamics.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
10-14/11/25 Agri
Nov 17, 2025
Grain markets firmed at the start of the week as headlines about a possible end to the U.S. government shutdown lifted CBOT futures, while European wheat lagged and improved EU export competitiveness. Market participants noted that, without fresh supportive catalysts, the rally might prove short-lived. Average trade estimates placed U.S. corn and soybean harvests at 92% and 96% complete, with winter wheat 95% planted and 52% good/excellent, though official USDA data remained unavailable due to the shutdown.
Egypt’s state buyer Mostakbal Misr was reported to have bought around 500k tons of wheat for late December–January delivery, including roughly 200k tons from Russia. Russian 12.5% FOB wheat closed last week at $232/t, slightly up on the week. Brazil’s 25/26 corn crop was forecast by Safras at 143.6 mmt, well above USDA’s September estimate. U.S. export inspections showed solid corn and soybean volumes but cumulative soybean loadings remained 6.4 mmt behind last year.
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.
