Weekly Agri- Commodities Recap: 05-09/08/24
Aug 12, 2024
Monday saw CBOT grain prices hold steady despite broader financial market declines. The weaker dollar offered some support, but significant short positions in corn, soybeans, and wheat likely played a role in the market's resilience. US crop conditions were mixed, with corn ratings slipping to 67% G/E and soybeans improving to 68% G/E. Ukraine's grain exports were faster compared to last year.
Tuesday's grain market saw losses, particularly in soybeans, due to improved US soybean ratings. Wheat prices reversed early losses, boosted by tenders from major wheat-importing countries. The EU’s projected wheat and corn crops are lower than USDA estimates, suggesting possible revisions. Jordan passed on its wheat tender due to high prices.
Wednesday brought further declines in CBOT corn and soybeans amid expectations of record yields in the upcoming USDA report. Wheat prices struggled to maintain gains from previous day’s tenders. Ukraine’s grain exports were slightly lower than June, and Jordan passed on its barley tender. Non-commercial participants increased their net short positions in MATIF milling wheat.
On Thursday, grain prices were mixed. Soybeans and corn faced pressure ahead of the USDA report, while wheat prices found support from MATIF gains and major wheat tenders. US weekly export sales exceeded expectations, particularly for soybeans. The NOAA forecasted ongoing ENSO-neutral conditions with a chance of La Niña emerging later in the year. Argentina faced grain loading delays due to a strike.
Friday ended with CBOT corn and soybeans hitting new contract lows, while wheat prices showed some improvement. The USDA report, anticipated to provide insights into yield and production estimates, could impact market volatility. France revised its soft wheat crop estimate downward, while Russian wheat production forecasts from the well followed analysts went to opposite directions. The USDA also reported additional private sales of soybeans and soybean cake, though prices continued to ease.
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.
