In the reporting period, domestic grain prices in Ukraine rose slightly in all positions, without exception. Prices strengthened again amid a sharp weakening of the national currency. At the same time, growth was limited by a weakening export market, both in terms of price and a drop in activity. Many export-oriented companies have significantly reduced their activities due to quarantine. Processors procurement prices for food wheat during the reporting period slightly increased, but only in certain regions. The trend of the week was the growing demand for cereal groats in retail due to quarantine. Manufacturers and resellers did not fail to take advantage of this, and sharply increased prices for almost all types of groats. Flour prices so far remain at a relatively stable level. Global wheat market was in a mixed price trend last reporting week. Wheat quotes in Chicago fell again on fears of a recession in the global economy due to the spread of coronavirus. The fall was supported by another collapse in crude oil quotes, as well as weakening markets for corn and soybeans. At the same time, decline was limited by forecasts of a decrease in sown area in the USA, a round of short positions covering, as well as strengthening quotes for high protein wheat in Kansas City. Kansas City wheat quotes for HRW rose by about 2.5% amid surge in demand and low stocks of high protein wheat. Demand has increased from households, as many residents are quarantined and cook at home. Quotations were also supported by a decrease in the rating of conditions of crops in Kansas (by 1% to 46% of good and excellent). Spring wheat quotes in Minneapolis again declined slightly. Wheat quotes in Paris rose amid weakening EURO, large purchases of wheat by Algeria, lower estimates of production in the EU and good pace of current exports. At the same time, growth was limited by fears of a recession in the global economy due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In the Black Sea region, wheat prices (12.5%) fell by USD5–6/t in the reporting week. Prices fell amid another drop in wheat quotes in Chicago and a weakening ruble. The fall was supported by weakening crude oil quotes and fears of a recession in the global economy due to the spread of coronavirus. By the middle of the current calendar week, wheat prices in the Black Sea region were at the level of USD200–204/t, FOB for deliveries in Apr/May.
In Ukraine, 12.5% wheat export prices have declined by USD5/t to USD200–204/t, FOB, Black sea port, Apr/May shipments. Prices for wheat (11.5%) have declined by USD6/t to the level of USD198–202/t, FOB. Feed wheat prices have declined by USD5/t and reached level of USD193–197/t, FOB. Export prices for corn have declined by USD6/t and by the end of the reporting period were in the range of USD168–172/t, FOB for deliveries in Apr/May. The fall occurred under pressure from Chicago and amid declining trading activity due to coronavirus.
This week export prices for feed barley have declined by USD6/t and by the end of the reporting period were in the range of USD175–180/t, FOB, Black Sea ports for Apr/May deliveries. The decline occurred under the pressure of global factors and low trading activity.
