In the U.S., soybean export quotes are under pressure of the global trend caused by improving weather conditions in Brazil. According to USDA, the U.S. soybean harvesting was complete as of November 19, which also affects pricing.
Export quotes for corn are generally flat in Brazil. Market participants continue to keep a close eye on weather conditions impacting production prospects and thus prices.
The US grain market has been inactive this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Wheat prices are sliding down amid high competition on export markets and low demand. However, this week private exporters have reported selling 110,000 t of SRW wheat to China for shipments during MY 2023-24.
In Australia, grain prices have shown an upturn due to slow sales by farmers and a stronger currency. Dry and hot weather favored the wheat harvesting, which is already more than 50% complete, and higher protein levels.
Wheat offer prices are virtually unchanged in Kazakhstan, although suppliers are not giving up attempts to raise them.
Export quotes for Russian grains have inched up this week thanks to increased demand and reduced offer from farmers. The volume of concluded contracts for wheat sales amounted to 2.8 million t by November 21 (against 2 million t a month earlier), while exports in November are expected to reach 4.35 million t.
Mixed price trend can be seen on the EU grain export market, although a downtrend prevails. Tenders from key importers of European grain failed to support prices.
Grain export trade has perked up slightly in Ukraine, supporting relevant quotes. Shipments by sea are still apportioned between the Danube and Black Sea ports (Odesa and Chernomorsk), exports through which in November are expected to reach 464,000 t and 943,000 t, respectively.
Approximately 6,100 wagons with grain were found waiting for unloading at Ukrainian sea ports on November 23. Taking into account that stations accept on average 957 wagons per day, it might take up to 6 days to serve all these wagons.
Almost 1.74 million tonnes of grain were exported from Ukraine by railways during the period started November 1 and ended November 22 compared with 1.73 million t supplied abroad in October, according to updated reports.