Agri- Commodities: 23-27/09/24
Sep 30, 2024
Grain markets began the week with a strong rally, as prices jumped by 2% to 3%, driven by multiple factors. A dry weather forecast for Brazil, coupled with potential Chinese economic stimulus measures, fueled this upward momentum. Adding to the bullish sentiment, the Institute for Agricultural Market Studies (IKAR) reduced its forecast for Russia's wheat production to 81.8 million metric tons (mmt). In the U.S., export inspections for both corn and wheat exceeded expectations, further boosting prices.
On Tuesday, the rally lost steam, with corn and wheat prices retreating by the end of the session. Soybeans, which had initially gained, also closed lower as concerns about Brazilian weather persisted.
The market was further impacted by a strike at Metro Vancouver grain terminals, which disrupted the flow of 100,000 tons of grain daily, raising alarms about Canadian export disruptions. Additionally, former U.S. President Donald Trump's comments about renegotiating trade deals with China added a new layer of uncertainty to the markets.
Wednesday brought a recovery, particularly in soybeans, which remained volatile due to weather concerns. Wheat prices also rose on reports of slow planting progress in Russia, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions as Russia escalated nuclear rhetoric.
Traders began positioning ahead of the USDA’s quarterly stocks and small grains report, which heightened market nervousness as potential revisions in corn and soybean stocks could significantly impact future supply-demand balances.
Thursday saw choppy trading, with MATIF wheat closing positively. In Australia, frost damaged over 1.2 million hectares of wheat, threatening output reductions. On the geopolitical front, Russia's plans to expand Baltic Sea export routes highlighted logistical challenges from the Ukraine conflict. U.S. export sales showed strong soybean demand but disappointing corn and wheat figures.
Soybean prices finished the week strongly, driven by weather concerns and pre-USDA report positioning. However, wheat prices weakened, and funds cut their net shorts in soybeans to their lowest level in four months. Traders now await USDA data for clarity on future market direction.
Weekly Recaps
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.
Freight
Freight Recap:
06/11/25
Nov 06, 2025
The dry bulk market experienced a generally softer tone this week, with most segments facing mild corrections. The Handysize and Supramax sectors saw limited fresh activity, while the Panamax market showed brief midweek stability before continuing its downward trajectory. Weak demand across basins and growing vessel availability placed pressure on rates, though select regional improvements offered some support.
Commodities
Agri- Commodities:
27-31/10/25 Agri
Nov 03, 2025
Grain markets opened the week firmer after upbeat headlines on a potential U.S.–China trade deal lifted risk appetite across commodities. The optimism came despite limited clarity on agricultural commitments and lingering pressure from weaker export data.
Russian wheat prices were slightly lower, while EU maize yields were trimmed further. In Argentina, the peso strengthened after President Javier Milei’s party secured a midterm victory. U.S. harvest progress advanced, though export inspections remained subdued.
