Grain Highlights 18.05.2021

In April, China imported 1.85 million tons of corn, which is 108.6% more than in April 2020.

- From the beginning of the season until 16.05.2021, 30,401 million tons of grain were exported from the EU, which is 23.1% less than the previous year. Imports reached 17.328 million tons (-23.5%). Corn imports reach 13.556 million tons (+4.7%).

- In the first 46 weeks of the season, 835,400 tons of sunseed (-16% compared to the previous season), 1.521 million tons of sunseed oil (-27%) and 2.363 million tons of sunseed meal (-17%) were delivered to the EU. The main suppliers of sunseed were Russia with 311,300 tons, Moldova with 181,400 tons, Ukraine with 127,200 tons. In 2019/20, 1.054 million tons of sunseed, 2.34 million tons of sunseed oil and 3.25 million tons of sunseed meal were delivered to the EU.

- In April, soybean crush reached 4.36 million tons in the United States, which is below market expectations. In March, US soybean crush reached 4.84 million tons of soybeans and in April 2020 - 4.67 million tons.

- According to USDA data, as of May 16, 2021, 48% of winter wheat crops are in good and excellent condition in the United States (49% a week earlier and 52% a year earlier). 85% of the planned areas are sown with spring wheat and 80% with corn.

- Yesterday, commodity funds in Chicago were neutral on corn and soybeans and net sellers of wheat with 5,000 contracts.

- In April, China imported 1.85 million tons of corn, which is 108.6% more than in April 2020. Over the period of January - April, corn imports amounted to 8.58 million tons (+ 301.2%). Wheat imports in April were 900,000 tons (+146.8%), and since the beginning of the season they add up to a total of 3.83 million tons (+134.7%). Barley imports were 1.15 million tons for the month (+177.7%) and since the beginning of the season total barley imports amount to 3.54 million tons (+147.5%).

- Algeria has announced a tender for the purchase of at least 50,000 tons of feed wheat of any origin and delivery in July.

- In 2021, soybean areas in India may increase by 10-12% compared to 2020 given the high soybean price. According to SOPA estimates, the areas will reach 11.83 million hectares in 2020. Traditionally, soybean sowing in India begins in June after the end of the monsoon season.

- According to AmSpec Agri Malaysia, 695,700 tons of milk butter were exported from Malaysia over the period of May 1-15, compared to 585,500 tons in the first half of April.

- Bangladesh is looking to buy 50,000 tons of wheat of any origin.