In Australia, uncertainty remains over the new crop due to weather conditions, which is holding back producer sales, slowing export trade and supporting prices. In addition, the Grain Industry Association of Western Australia (GIWA) lowered production estimates for Western Australia due to continued dry conditions in most agricultural regions.
Quotes for U.S.corn dropped amid improved crop ratings. According to the USDA, as of August 13, 59% of corn crops were in good/excellent state against 57% a week earlier and last year.
Valeriy Tkachev, Deputy Director of the Commercial Department of Ukrzaliznytsia, published the document “Tariff conditions for transit transportation through the territory of Moldova under a forwarding agreement” in the specialized telegram channel.
As many as 287 wagons were transferred daily through the Chop – Čierna nad Tisou land border crossing point from August 1 to August 17 (up 11 wagons compared with the period from August 1 to August 10).
A total of 1,302 wagons were waiting in a queue at the Izov station on August 1-16, while 1,219 wagons were standing at the Mostyska-2 station and 400 wagons at the Yahodyn station (170 units with grain, 59 units with clay, 66 units with cement, and 33 containers).
Quotes for Ukrainian grains have been mostly increasing, although exports remain limited. During the week, the press service of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Naval Forces announced the creation of temporary routes for civilian vessels to/from Black Sea ports primarily for the exit of civilian vessels stationed in the Ukrainian ports
According to Romanian Minister of Transport Sorin Grindeanu, a new navigational channel sign will soon be issued, allowing the fleet to pass through the Sulina Canal at night.
A total of 409,000 tonnes of grain were exported from Ukraine by railways during the period started August 1 and ended August 16 compared with 805,000 t during the entire July.
Prices for EU grains have been showing mixed dynamics, although in most cases quotes have increased. Prices were supported by the forecast of wheat production in Strategie Grains’ August report; the estimate was cut by 1.4 million t to 124.7 million t (which is lower than the previous year’s result of 125.3 million t).
Grain trade is looking brisk in Russia, with lively shipments supporting relevant quotes. Limited traffic in the Kerch Strait (as it is temporarily closed from time to time) along with additional inspections of all passing vessels, still slows down the pace of export shipments (although does not cause major delays).