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

Freight

Freight Recap:
2/10/25

Oct 02, 2025

The dry bulk market displayed mixed conditions, with Handysize maintaining its upward momentum, Supramax undergoing further corrections, and Panamax continuing to weaken across both basins. Atlantic activity showed some resilience in smaller segments, while Asia was muted due to regional holidays. Broader sentiment in larger segments remained under pressure, influenced by excess tonnage and soft FFA signals.

Commodities

Agri- Commodities:
22-26/09/25 Agri

Sep 29, 2025

Grain markets opened the week under pressure after Argentina suspended export taxes on soy, corn, wheat, and by-products. The move sparked expectations of aggressive short-term sales, sending Chicago wheat to fresh contract lows and weighing on soybeans and soy products. MATIF wheat held just above recent lows ahead of Algeria’s tender, though sentiment remained weak as U.S. futures fell again and the euro strengthened to 1.18. U.S. inspections showed lighter soybean and corn volumes, while wheat topped expectations. Crop progress confirmed steady harvest advances but slight condition declines, with winter wheat planting just behind forecasts.

Freight

Freight Recap:
25/09/25

Sep 25, 2025

The dry bulk market showed a split tone. Handysize remained constructive on selective strength, Supramax was steady-to-softer with Atlantic support offset by Pacific pressure, and Panamax firmed on the day with more activity in both basins.

Commodities

Agri- Commodities:
15-19/09/25 Agri

Sep 22, 2025

Corn prices plunged to start the week, erasing Friday’s surge and realigning with USDA’s supply outlook. Wheat and soybeans briefly rallied on news of an upcoming Trump–Xi call but lost momentum as doubts over Chinese buying resurfaced.

Start Your Free Trial

Accelerate your competitive edge with CM Navigator.

No commitments, just pure insight.

Start your 10-day free trial. No commitment