Country News
Argentina: The Rosario Grains Exchange lowered its estimate for the corn crop to 32 MMT, which is 13.5 percent below USDA’s most recent prediction. The Exchange’s crop estimate is now 40 percent lower than production expected back at planting time. (DTN)
Australia: Barley exports to China are set to resume as Beijing agrees to reassess the punitive 80.5 percent tariff it imposed back in May of 2020. The move follows a doubling of barley exports in February. (Reuters)
Brazil: Corn prediction is estimated at 133 MMT, up 6 percent from a year ago. Corn exports are expected to be 54 MMT, a 4 MMT increase over a year earlier. Logistics limit future increases and the country is seeking foreign direct investment. Deral sees early signs of drought impacting the safrinha corn crop but IMEA says corn sales have been at a high pace. (FAS GAIN; AgriCensus)
Mexico: The government will examine the impact of GM corn imports on tortillas. (Reuters)
Russia: The export tax on barley rose sharply for the April 12-18 period. (AgriCensus)
South Africa: After an early wet start, the maize crop is headed toward a fourth good harvest in a row. Harvest begins late next month, and output could exceed last year’s. However, if El Niño develops, it could end this streak of large harvests. (GroIntelligence)
Taiwan: MFIG bought 65 KMT of corn for May/June shipment from Argentina. (Refinitiv)