Agri- Commodities: 13-17/1/25
Jan 20, 2025
Monday Corn and soybeans carried over Friday's bullish momentum, supported by a favorable USDA report, while CBOT wheat also strengthened, likely driven by short covering by funds. Robust U.S. export inspections added to the optimism, with corn volumes exceeding expectations at 1.44 million tons. However, concerns over Argentina's crops emerged as heat waves and inadequate rains threatened yields. Meanwhile, funds extended their net long positions in corn while trimming shorts in soybeans, signaling a bullish stance on the complex.
Tuesday The rally in corn and soybeans faltered, with both commodities closing lower despite early gains. Wheat prices diverged, as CBOT wheat edged slightly higher, but European MATIF wheat declined notably. Brazil’s CONAB made minor revisions to its crop forecasts, with discrepancies against USDA estimates remaining significant. U.S. CPI data loomed over markets, while Jordan secured milling wheat at a marginally lower price, reflecting competitive dynamics in international trade.
Wednesday Markets were directionless, ending mixed across the board. Corn held steady near a seven-month high, while soybeans declined for the second straight session. MATIF wheat saw continued pressure despite marginal gains in CBOT wheat. FranceAgriMer maintained its soft wheat export forecast but nudged ending stocks slightly higher. Ukrainian farmers signaled intentions to pivot away from soybeans toward corn, reflecting market shifts. Meanwhile, NOPA's record soybean crush highlighted strong processing demand in the U.S.
Thursday Soybeans led a broad-based market decline, driven by wetter forecasts for Argentina and improved outlooks for Brazil’s crop. U.S. weekly export sales were mixed, with disappointing soybean sales contrasting with decent corn and wheat volumes. Winterkill risks emerged for U.S. wheat regions due to expected cold snaps.
Friday Corn and soybeans rallied ahead of the U.S. three-day holiday weekend, buoyed by weather concerns in Argentina and renewed optimism following a constructive call between U.S. and Chinese leaders. However, China's December grain import data revealed stark year-over-year declines, with corn and wheat imports falling 93% and 75%, respectively. Fund activity highlighted notable shifts: funds aggressively bought soybeans, flipping to a net long position, while extending their net longs in corn and increasing net shorts in wheat.
Weekly Recaps
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.
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.
