Grain Highlights 12.12.2024

According to SEA data, 1.63 million tons of vegetable oils were imported into India in November, up 10.4% from October and the highest level in the last four months.

In December, Russian wheat exports are expected to reach 3.3–3.5 million tons, according to a forecast by SovEcon (compared to 4.1 million tons in November). The profit margins for Russian exporters have declined in recent weeks due to rising export duties. Currently, the margin is negative, compared to +10 USD/ton a month earlier. During this period, export duties increased from 26 USD/ton to 47 USD/ton. In the week ending December 9, 2024, Russian wheat exports fell to 0.8 million tons, the lowest level since April. Storms in the Krasnodar region also affected this result. In December 2023, exports reached 3.2 million tons, with the five-year average being 3.5 million tons.

According to SEA data, 1.63 million tons of vegetable oils were imported into India in November, up 10.4% from October and the highest level in the last four months. Processors increased purchases of soybean and sunseed oils to replenish stocks after the festive season. During the month, soyoil imports reached 407,600 tons (+19.3%), sunseed oil imports were 340,600 tons (+42.5%), and palm oil imports reached 841,900 tons (-0.4%). In the first 11 months of 2024, imports of sunseed oil from Russia reached 1.96 million tons, and soyoil imports totaled 253,000 tons. Due to the high price of palm oil in December, its imports may sharply decline.

According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 1.16 million tons of wheat were exported from Australia in October (+20% compared to 961,720 tons in September and 1.41 million tons in October 2023).

The Indian government has reduced the stock limits for wheat that can be stored by traders and processors. Traders are now allowed to store 1,000 tons (previously 2,000 tons). Processors can store a maximum of 50% of their monthly processing capacity.

Saudi Arabia has announced a tender to purchase 595,000 tons of milling wheat of any origin, with delivery scheduled between February 15 and April 30, 2025.

Jordan has purchased 60,000 tons of feed barley of any origin at a price of 249.99 USD/ton C&F, with delivery scheduled for January 15–31, 2025. Other offers in the tender ranged from 252 to 264 USD/ton. The purchase of 120,000 tons of milling wheat has been canceled.