The winter weather in parts of Europe has a limited effect on the wheat market. This is not entirely illogical. It is indeed cold but for the real cold that causes damage to wheat, we need to look to the edges of Europe. Drought in the US makes trading in the US more nervous, although the wheat situation is not bad. China has found the US quite appealing when it comes to soybeans. Brazil, the main competitor of the US, is not worried about that at all.
Analysis|Published: Jan 6, 2026
The European and American futures markets started the first full trading week of 2026 differently. In Europe, it is a bit hesitant, partly due to the large supplies hanging over the market. In the US, grains were in the green. Unrest in Latin America and interest from China provided support for the exchange in Chicago.
Analysis|Published: Dec 30, 2025
Ukraine borders the EU, but the peace talks with Russia have more effect on the American grain market than ours when looking at yesterday's closing prices. China's military exercise around Taiwan is also drawing attention. The relationship between China and the US was already strained, and these actions from China are not improving it. American soybean traders will especially notice this.
Analysis|Published: Dec 29, 2025
There is talk about peace between Russia and Ukraine, but it is still not very concrete. This became apparent yesterday after a visit from Zelensky to Trump. The attacks between Ukraine and Russia on ships and port infrastructure have had some effect on the grain market in the meantime. The weather is another factor that plays a role. After a relatively mild Christmas in the US, real cold may now be approaching in the US.
Analysis|Published: Dec 19, 2025
Ursula von der Leyen's trip to South America for the signing of the Mercosur free trade agreement may be postponed by a month. The Italian prime minister wants more time to convince the agricultural sector of the benefits and necessity of the deal. Various players within the European agricultural sector (not only in Italy) fear unfair competition from South America. In Argentina, farmers are busy getting soy into the ground.
Analysis|Published: Dec 18, 2025
The peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia continue to keep players in the grain market occupied. The US is increasing pressure on both the Kremlin and Kiev. The grain market seems to be sensitive to this. The Ukrainian farmers' union UAC is meanwhile ringing the alarm that the recent attacks by Russia are disastrous for Ukrainian grain exports.
