International

Chinese Customs data shows August soybean imports reached a record 12.1 million tonnes (Mt), up 23pc from July and 29pc more than August 2023. Cumulative Jan-Aug imports, at 70.5Mt, are up 3pc year on year. August grain imports estimated at 15Mt, up 8pc from July, with the cumulative 2024 total at 113.1Mt (+6pc from previous year). August edible oil imports at 634kt, down 2pc from July, with cumulative imports down 23pc year on year at 4.8Mt. 

According to UK-based price reporting agency Fastmarkets Russia’s 2024-25 wheat harvest was 72pc complete as of 6 September, yielding 71.1Mt, with average yields estimated at 3.3t/ha, down 11pc year on year. Barley harvest was 72pc complete at 14.2Mt with average yields at 2.7t/ha (-9pc). Maize harvest was 8pc complete at 611kt with average yields estimated at 3.0t/ha (-58pc). Canola harvest was 37pc complete at 2.4Mt, average yields at 2.3t/ha (-7pc). 

Ukraine’s Ag Ministry reported that as at 9 September, 2025-26 winter crop sowing was 2pc complete. Total winter wheat area forecast at about 4.7 million hectares (Mha), with farmers potentially expanding area at the expense of canola. 2025-26 canola planting complete on 534,700ha (equivalent to 48pc of intended area). Canola area could be down by 0.5Mha owing to continued drought conditions. 

Brazil’s Conab reports that as at 8 September 2024-25 first (full-season) maize plantings are underway, with recent rains in Rio Grande do Sul seen beneficial, although a drop in temps detrimental to initial crop development. Sowing has advanced in Paraná, with most crops in good condition. Lack of rain and high temps were noted in some parts of the state. 2024-25 wheat harvest was 15pc complete (18pc previous year). Some beneficial rains were received in Rio Grande do Sul, supporting crop development. Harvest progressed in Paraná and Sao Paulo, but dry and hot weather has impacted the crop. 2024-25 first bean crop plantings started in Paraná, with good crop emergence noted, while sowing in Sao Paulo was largely complete.

Australia

In local markets, canola bids made up the ground they lost on Monday to be bid around A$755/t FIS in most WA port zones yesterday, while cereal bids were largely unchanged throughout the day. In the east, canola bids were up $10/t for non-GM and $10-$20/t for GM, although spread between the two, between $50-$70/t, remained significant. 

This week’s line ups data shows that for September there is currently 1.67Mt of total grain on the stem, largely unchanged from last week. The total includes wheat at 851kt, barley at 308kt, canola up slightly at 356kt and sorghum steady at 160kt. The current average wait time at Australian grain ports is less than 6 days with 5 vessels anchored and 5 loading.