Country News
Argentina: The government’s corn export ban is being protested by farmers who called for a 72-hour strike starting 11 January. Meanwhile, the grain inspector’s union, Urgara, reached agreement on salary increases and a bonus. The output of grain is threatened by a rainfall deficit of up to 150 millimeters. Market analysis by AHDB says that the corn shortfall is now global, and that the export ban is now benefiting suppliers in Brazil and the U.S., plus wheat. The meat industry chamber CICCRA says that the government’s corn export ban will not have its intended effect of lowering meat prices. (Refinitiv; Feed Navigator)
Brazil: Some analysts are reducing the first crop corn production forecast from 46 MMT to 45 MMT as 2020 corn exports fell 21 percent. But others look at recent rains and retain total output (two crop) at 105.77 MMT. The area for the second crop will reportedly be induced 5 percent higher but could be impacted by the late soybean progress. CONAB in December lowered its total output forecast to 102.6 MMT. Moisture conditions involve mild to moderate dryness overall but above average moisture in the south and southeast, which will greatly boost yields. First crop corn planting was at 88.5 percent on 3 January, 4 percent above last season and aided by the dryness. First crop yields could be 3 percent lower than last season, but second crop corn could have yields at 3.8 percent higher. The shipping agency Cargonave says corn exports in January are at 2 MMT, double that of last January. (Refinitiv; AgriCensus)
China: New Agriculture Minister Tang Renjian intends to expand the area sown to corn this year. The focus is expansion in the northeast in order to avoid declines in rice production in the south. The goal is also to expand wheat production. (Reuters)
EU: French feed grain supplies are said to be tight despite the culling of thousands of chickens due to bird flu. (AgriCensus)
Jordan: The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT) bought 60 KMT of barley for July as the price fell $4.50/MT. (AgriCensus)
Mexico: Environmental campaigners have welcomed the government’s ban on growing GMO corn, ending the import of GMO corn in 2024, and phaseout of the use of glyphosate. However, the National Farm Council says the ban will hurt farmers and the nation’s food security. (Agence-France Presse; Reuters)
Russia: The export of corn and other crops will be restricted in the first half of 2021 (January 9 – June 30). (FAS GAIN)
Turkey: The Turkish grain board (TMO) tendered for 155 KMT of corn and barley for Jan/Feb loading. (AgriCensus)
Ukraine: The Argentine corn export ban is benefiting Ukraine but exports have nonetheless fallen with corn exports thus far in 2020/21 at 9.73 MMT and barley exports at 3.78 MMT according to the Economy Ministry. (Refinitiv)