Foodcom News

China purchased approximately 1 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans this week, significantly increasing the scale of its purchases from the U.S. At the same time, supply in the global oilseed market is tightening, and stocks in Brazil are declining.

Global food prices in August climbed to their highest level since November 2022. All major categories saw increases, with sugar posting the sharpest rise.

The 2026/27 cocoa season has begun in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire amid growing uncertainty surrounding supply. Lower production forecasts, potential delivery delays, and expectations of a significantly smaller global surplus are once again drawing the market’s attention to West Africa.

Russian grain exports are increasingly shifting among different transport routes, altering the existing wheat trade landscape. For the global market, this means that logistics and the availability of export infrastructure are becoming more important.

Wheat prices on the U.S. market have risen to their highest levels in three years, while in Europe prices are approaching the equivalent of $300 per metric ton. At the same time, limited exports from Russia and Ukraine are keeping trade tensions high, despite good harvests and falling local prices.

The condition of corn in France is the worst it has been in 20 years, and harvest forecasts have dropped significantly. With lower production in the EU, Europe will need to import more corn.

Cocoa exporters from West Africa are grappling with the costs of complying with EU regulations against deforestation. The biggest challenge remains accurately documenting the origin of the beans and preparing the supply chain for the new rules.

The European Commission has mandated the registration of imports of certain lysine products originating in China. This will ensure that any duties resulting from the ongoing investigation can also be levied on registered imports, provided the required conditions are met.

Ukraine may face a shortage of storage space for 11 million metric tons of grain this fall. The most difficult period will be in September and October.

Low water levels on the Rhine and Danube are increasingly hampering the transport of goods in Europe. Barges are carrying less cargo, some ports are unable to handle grain shipments, and companies must contend with delays and higher logistics costs.

Low water levels on the Rhine and Danube are increasingly hampering the transport of goods in Europe. Barges are carrying less cargo, some ports are unable to handle grain shipments, and companies must contend with delays and higher logistics costs.

Higher harvests could lead to a greater supply of Ukrainian grains and oilseeds on international markets. If the forecasts prove accurate, Ukraine’s export potential for the 2026/2027 season could reach approximately 52 million metric tons, which will be a significant factor influencing prices and trade in agricultural commodities in Europe and the Black Sea region.