The general tone of the report continues to paint a bearish picture across the global grain markets with big stocks for all three major Ag commodities against a back drop of uncertain demand. Global wheat production is lower by 4mmt to 769mmt (US -1.5, EU -1.5, RU -0.5), while global consumption is lower by ~2mmt to 751mmt (EU -1.0). Major exporter stocks lower by 1.32mmt to 60.66mmt.
Chinese stocks are believed to be at 162mmt or 51.5% of global stocks and Indian stocks at 31mmt or 10% of global stocks. It is interesting to note that last night, the Chinese bought US SRW resulting in a significant rally in CBOT (Dec ’20 +21 USc/bu). Whether this is part of the Phase 1 deal or a shift in Gov’t policy to build state inventories is unclear.
We are entering the seasonal period where the market will take its lead from final northern hemisphere production. We are already seeing some tweaks to estimates, with USDA and IKAR (Russian Analyst) now in step with each other, agreeing to reduce Russian production to 76mmt, down 1.5mmt. Russian FOB prices are also starting to rise, likely due to slow grain receivals in the poorer Southern areas but also news of reduced exports from France. The Russian Gov’t also wants to build state inventories to replace that used during the COVID-19 lockdown.
EU27 production is also in the gun, with USDA forecasting both production and exports to be down year on year. The EU27 is expected to be the lowest since 2012 at 139mmt, down 15mmt from last year (mainly due to reductions in France and Spain). Attention will turn to short term weather (particularly in the US corn belt) but also Southern Hemisphere production. Currently it feels that the market is grappling with uncertain demand, COV-19 and a looming La Nina. Prices are likely to trade in a range, barring any shocks, bouncing between 470 – 550 USc/bu.
Harvest Rally
Next week
If China starts to ramp its promised purchase of US Agricultural goods as agreed to under the US/China Phase 1 trade deal, we could see some fireworks. Poorly positioned shorts in CBOT will come under pressure and will need covering. It is unusual to see wheat rally in the middle of harvest, but we live in unusual times.
Have any questions or comments?
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Data sources: USDA, US Wheat Associates, Next level grain marketing, Mecardo
Categories
Wheat is a forgotten casualty in global strife
There have been a few fundamental drivers to make the headlines this week. Instead, the newsreels have been focusing on the riots in LA and
Eastern and western wheat see production drop
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) released its June Crop Report last week, which gives us the first look at
Geopolitics, weather, and a wooden horse
The past week has been dominated by geopolitics, which may have long-term ramifications for global trade. Firstly, President Trump got called out for rehashing his
No drought premium for grain
You know the drought is getting serious when politicians start turning up on farms, making announcements. This drought is different from what the East Coast
Want market insights delivered straight to your inbox?
Sign up to the mailing list to get regular updates to new analysis and market outlooks
Independent analysis and outlook for wool, livestock and grain markets delivered to you as it’s published
Listen to the podcast
Join the Mecardo team for the Commodity Conversations podcast, where we provide short weekly market recaps and longer conversations with guests to discuss the drivers and trends in livestock, grain and fibre markets.
MEET THE TEAM
Our team of market analysts are recognised as leaders in Australian Ag market analysis, providing invaluable insights to help you navigate the ever-changing commodity landscape.
SERVICES AND CAPABILITIES STATEMENT BROCHURE
We don’t just bring you the most up to date market insights. Find out more about Mecardo’s services including risk management advisory, modelling, benchmarking, research & consultancy.