Grain Highlights 03.04.2024

In 2024/25, the oilseed production in the EU is forecasted to be 31.9 million tons according to Strategie Grains.

- According to data from SovEcon as of March 1, 2024, wheat reserves in agricultural organizations located in the southern parts of Russia reached a record 5.6 million tons (+12% compared to the previous year). These farms are a key supplier in the country's export operations. Overall, wheat reserves in agricultural organizations in Russia were 17.5 million tons (+1%).

- In March, Ukraine exported 608,000 tons of sunflower oil (+5,000 compared to February and +84,000 compared to March 2023). Exports have exceeded 600,000 tons for the fourth consecutive month, reaching a peak of 672,000 tons in December 2023. Since the beginning of the season, exports have reached 3.8 million tons (3.2).

- During the period from July 1, 2023, to April 3, 2024, Ukraine exported 35.416 million tons of grain (38.047 million tons a year earlier), including 555,000 tons in April (71,000 tons). Wheat exports amounted to 14.034 million tons (192,000 tons), barley exports reached 1.963 million tons (1,000 tons), and corn exports were 19.126 million tons (361,000 tons).

- For 2024/25, the oilseed production in the EU is forecasted to be 31.9 million tons according to Strategie Grains. Rapeseed production is expected to reach 18.1 million tons (18.3 in the previous estimate and 19.9 in 2023/24), sunseed production is estimated at 10.7 million tons (10.7 and +10%), and soybean production at 3.1 million tons (3.1 and +9%).

- From July 1, 2023, to March 27, 2024, the EU imported 5.23 million tons of vegetable oils (5.15 million tons a year earlier). Imports of sunseed oil amounted to 1.9 million tons (+41%), soyoil imports were 421,900 tons (+12%), rapeseed oil imports reached 362,700 tons (+8%), and palm oil imports were 2.53 million tons (-18%). Indonesia supplied 828,940 tons of palm oil, Ukraine 168,800 tons of soyoil, 127,500 tons of rapeseed oil, and 1.78 million tons of sunseed oil. Imports of oilseeds during the period were 13.83 million tons (-21%), and soymeal imports totalled 13.8 million tons (-6%).

- According to FAS USDA's forecast for 2023/24, Brazil's corn production will be 122 million tons from 21.5 million hectares. For 2024/25, the production will be 129 million tons from 22 million hectares. Wheat imports to Brazil for the current season will be 5.5 million tons, and for 2024/25, it will be 4.5 million tons.

- According to AgRural data as of March 28, 2024, 74% of soybean areas in Brazil have been harvested (76% a year earlier).

- According to FAS USDA's forecast for 2024/25, wheat production in India will be 112.5 million tons (110.6 in 2023/24).

- Tunisia has announced a tender for 50,000 tons of soft wheat and 50,000 tons of hard wheat with delivery from April 25 to May 20.

- Jordan has canceled a tender to purchase 120,000 tons of milling wheat of unspecified origin due to high prices. The lowest price offered at the tender was $246/ton C&F, with delivery within June-July.