Country News
Algeria: The government grain buying agency ONAB tendered for barley and corn. A purchase of 15 KMT of feed barley was made at $219.90/MT with Ukraine as the supplier, plus purchase of French origin at $219.95/MT. The UK offer at $227.70/MT C&F was not competitive. (AgriCensus; Reuters)
Brazil: Dry conditions in the south are causing production concerns for both the present crop and the safrinha crop of corn. But farmers are most concerned about the loss of the Iranian market since Tehran is boycotting Brazil ever since President Bolsonaro praised the U.S. killing of General Soleimani. Corn exports overall have slowed in the first half of January. (FarmLead)
China: The corn TRQ was held steady at 7.2 MMT but the government boosted the amount to be imported by the private sector. There should also be higher imports of DDGS and sorghum under the new trade deal with the U.S. (AgriCensus; Rabobank)
South Africa: The trade is counting on GMO seeds to deliver 15 MMT in maize production. (AgriCensus)
South Korea: NOFI bought 69 KMT of corn and U.S. corn was acquired in the optional origin purchase. KFA’s private purchase takes total corn imports to 250 KMT. (AgriCensus)
Vietnam: Corn imports are foundering based on uncertain feed demand in the wake of ASF outbreaks, plus growing stocks. (AgriCensus)