European market
Some profit taking occurred on Euronext last Friday in a context of strong uncertainties amid a tense geopolitical context on the Russia-Ukraine border. In addition, there are still fears about the South American production. It is estimated that only 22% of corn in Argentina has a good to excellent crop rating and 37% is considered poor to very poor.
Global logistics are also in trouble, with supply difficulties for both fertilisers and some crop protection products.
On the international scene, the US sold 132,000 t of soybeans to China and 247,800 t of corn to an undisclosed destination. Iran and South Korea are also reported to have bought 195,000 and 82,000 tonnes of milling wheat respectively. Algeria continues to boycott French wheat origin, which contributes to the decline in French export figures.
In the event of a conflict in the Black Sea basin, gas supplies could be disrupted, as Russia alone contributes 35% of supplies to Europe.
Rapeseed prices are supported by the rise in oil prices and a sustained crushing activity in Canada despite last year's very low production. Palm oil is breaking new records in Malaysia on Monday in Kuala Lumpur.
The dollar remains firm this morning at 1.1320 against the euro and 77.14 against the rouble. Oil recovered to 85.80 usd/barrel in New York.
American market
Wheat and soybeans fell on Friday in Chicago, mainly due to profit taking by funds. This morning, all commodities are back on the rise amid climatic concerns in South America and fears of a possible conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Logistics remain a key issue, with a lack of transport facilities worldwide. In China, corn prices have recovered on the Dalian Stock Exchange.
The Conab has revised down its estimate of Brazilian first crop corn production to 24.8 Mt from 29.1 Mt estimated last month.
On Friday, corn exports were higher than expected at 1,196,000 tonnes.
Soybean exports sales were above expectations at 1,199,000 tonnes.
Wheat exports were at the top end of expectations at 452,600 tonnes.
On Friday, funds were net sellers in 6,000 lots of soybeans and 5,500 lots of wheat. They were net buyers in 6,500 lots of corn.
Black Sea market
Ukraine maintained a strong corn export pace this month, with trading companies focusing on fulfilling their contract commitments for January, despite rising concerns over geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
As of January 21 and since the start of the marketing year in July, corn exports totaled 13.7 Mt, up by 2.66 Mt year on year.
According to the USDA, Ukraine could still export around 19.8 Mt of corn by the end of the season.
Overall wheat exports from Ukraine since the start of the season now stand at 16.57 Mt, up from 12.85 Mt a year earlier following record production this season. Total wheat exports from Ukraine are expected to reach 24.2 Mt this season, according to the USDA's projections.
Overall grain exports from Ukraine since the start of the 2021/22 marketing year have risen to 36.08 Mt, up from 28.26 Mt a year ago.
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