Weekly Agri- Commodities Recap: 19-23/08/24
Aug 26, 2024
On Monday Grain markets opened the week with mixed results. Corn and soybeans recovered from oversold levels, aided by solid U.S. export data and private sales, including 332,000 tons of soybeans to China. However, December MATIF wheat futures fell to new lows due to a stronger Euro and increased Russian wheat exports, which saw prices drop to $218 per ton FOB. Egypt's Supply Minister reaffirmed plans to secure 3.8 million tonnes of wheat by year-end.
On Tuesday Wheat futures continued to struggle amid a stronger Euro. U.S. wheat futures saw modest gains, while corn and soybean prices dipped slightly. Russia maintained its grain harvest forecast, though SovEcon increased their wheat production estimate. Tunisia issued a tender for 75,000 tons of soft wheat, and Jordan canceled its wheat tender. The USDA reported private soybean sales of 132,000 tons to China and 239,500 tons to Mexico. Pro Farmer Crop Tour results showed slight increases in Indiana and Nebraska corn yields but fell short of USDA projections.
Middle of the week, Wheat futures dropped over 2%, while corn prices held steady and soybeans gained. A potential Canadian rail strike created market uncertainty. In India, high wheat prices led to calls for government intervention and the removal of import taxes. Tunisia purchased 75,000 tons of soft wheat at prices between $242.99 and $246.00 per ton. Pro Farmer Crop Tour reported Illinois corn yields up 5.4% year-over-year, with mixed results in Iowa. Non-commercial traders’ short positions in MATIF milling wheat exceeded 100,000 contracts.
On Thursday, Grain prices fell, with wheat futures hitting new lows. U.S. export sales were robust, including 493,000 tons of wheat, 1.41 million tons of corn, and 1.63 million tons of soybeans. Jordan issued new tenders for wheat and barley. Pro Farmer Crop Tour reported a decrease in Minnesota corn yields to 164.9 bu/a, while Iowa yields matched USDA expectations at 192.79 bu/a (considering historical differences). The market awaited further Fed commentary from Jackson Hole.
End of the week, Soybean prices rose, supported by strong export sales and higher energy markets. Corn and wheat prices reached new lows. Pro Farmer estimated a national corn yield of 181.1 bu/a, below USDA’s forecast, and a soybean yield of 54.9 bu/a, above USDA’s estimate. The USDA reported a private sale of 120,000 tons of soybeans. Fed Chair Powell’s Jackson Hole speech suggested imminent rate cuts, strengthening the EUR/USD. Funds reduced their net short positions in CBOT wheat but increased short positions in corn and soybeans.
Weekly Recaps
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.
Freight
Freight Recap:
04/12/25
Dec 04, 2025
The dry bulk market saw a generally mixed performance, with Handysize remaining supported in the Atlantic, Supramax showing uneven movement across regions, and Panamax continuing its correction as rising vessel supply weighed on sentiment. Atlantic dynamics were split between firmer US Gulf/US East Coast activity in the smaller segments and softer conditions for Panamax. In the Pacific, muted enquiry and longer lists contributed to a softer tone, especially in NoPac, though isolated strength persisted in Australian coal.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
24-28/11/25 Agri
Dec 01, 2025
Wheat opened the week lower after Saudi Arabia’s tender came in sharply priced, while soybeans and corn also finished slightly weaker. Market reaction to the Trump–Xi call remained muted, particularly for soybeans, where repeated political signals have not delivered the expected demand. Saudi Arabia’s GFSA bought 300k tons of wheat for March–April arrival at $257.96–$259.74/t CnF, roughly $5–$5.50 below the previous tender, with February slots skipped. Russian 12.5% protein wheat eased by $1 to $228/t FOB according to IKAR, and MARS reported that winter-cereal sowing in Europe is largely complete under mostly favorable conditions. US winter wheat conditions improved to 48% good/excellent, two points above the five-year average.
USDA confirmed private sales of 123k tons of US soybeans to China, bringing known 25/26 sales to 1.94 mmt, with an additional 0.62 mmt sold to “unknown” since October. Weekly US export inspections showed 799k tons of soybeans, 1,632k tons of corn, and 475k tons of wheat. No soybeans were shipped to China, leaving total inspections well behind last year’s levels.
