Country News
Brazil: Corn plantings in Parana, the second largest producing state, reached 84 percent complete. Conab reduced its expectations for this year’s corn output. Meanwhile, strong domestic demand has pushed the corn price up by 27.4 percent over a year ago and means that exports may be challenged in 2020/21. Corn imports may reach 2.5 MMT. (AgriCensus; SPGlobal)
EU: French barley sowing is at a standstill due to wet conditions. Spring barley sowing was 33 percent compete the first of March, which is well below the 88 percent level achieved last year. (Refinitiv)
Jordan: Reflecting the market trend, MIT booked 120 KMT of barley and paid $0.75/MT less than last time. (AgriCensus)
Mexico: The company Libre Abordo bartered corn and water in exchange for 6.2 million barrels of oil from Venezuela. (Oilprice.com)
Morocco: Agriculture Minister Aziz Akhannouch told Parliament that the government will spend four times more than it already has subsidizing feed barley imports due to the drought that has hurt domestic production. (Refinitiv)
South Korea: KFA bought corn in a private transaction. About 200 KMT was purchased after U.S. Gulf basis eased. However, MFG instead chose to buy feed wheat at $209.90/MT for July shipment. (AgriCensus)
Tunisia: The government tendered for 75 KMT of barley. (AgriCensus)
Ukraine: Corn xports were down 32 percent on the week, though still 20 percent higher than a year ago. Low soil moisture levels will reduce corn production this year. (AgriCensus; Reuters; Refinitiv)
Vietnam: Corn importers are receiving a lot of attractive offers but have trouble selling into sluggish demand. (AgriCensus)