Reading Time: 2 minutes Beijing | Reuters — China has eased customs regulations on imports of soybean through some northern border checkpoints, the commerce ministry said, a move that could smooth the way for shipments from neighbours such as Kazakhstan, Russia and perhaps Ukraine. The changes come as China looks to diversify soybean imports amid trade tension with the […] Read more
China eases customs curbs for soy imports through northern border
U.S. grains: Futures notch yearly rises on China demand hopes
Reading Time: 2 minutes Chicago | Reuters — U.S. wheat, corn and soybean futures posted annual gains in 2019 after an initial U.S.-China trade deal that could boost agricultural exports helped prices rally toward the end of the year. The crop futures finished little changed on Tuesday as markets wound down during the last session of the year and […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Hog futures rise in 2019 as swine fever hits China
Reading Time: 2 minutes Chicago | Reuters — U.S. hog futures rose in 2019 on hopes China will further increase pork imports as an outbreak of a fatal pig disease ravaged the Chinese herd. Prices eased on Tuesday as traders adjusted positions and booked some profits before the end of the year. The African swine fever disease has reshaped […] Read more
Palm oil 101: Sought-after crop holds sway over oilseed trade
Reading Time: 3 minutes MarketsFarm — Palm oil may be grown halfway around the world in conditions much different than on the Canadian Prairies, but the outsized influence of the crop on world oilseed markets makes it an important factor to watch when considering canola prices. Indonesia and Malaysia are the world’s largest producers of the crop, with futures […] Read more
China approves two new GM crops from U.S. for import
Reading Time: 2 minutes Beijing | Reuters — China approved two new genetically modified (GM) crops for import on Monday that could boost agricultural purchases from the United States, while renewing permits for 10 others, the Chinese agriculture ministry said. Earlier this month, Beijing and Washington announced a Phase 1 trade deal, under which China has agreed to import […] Read more
U.S. grains: Soybeans set highest price since June 2018
Reading Time: 2 minutes Chicago | Reuters — U.S. soybean futures on Monday rose to their highest price since June 2018 on expectations that Washington and Beijing will soon sign an initial trade deal that will increase American agricultural exports. China agreed to import more U.S. farm goods under the Phase 1 deal struck this month, providing support for […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Hog futures rally on China trade optimism
Reading Time: 2 minutes Chicago | Reuters — U.S. hog futures shot to their highest prices in more than six weeks on Monday on increased optimism over trade with China, the world’s biggest pork consumer. China agreed to import more U.S. farm goods under a Phase 1 trade deal struck this month, providing support for farm markets. Chinese Vice-Premier […] Read more
U.S. livestock: Hogs stumble as supply trumps Chinese demand
Reading Time: 2 minutes Chicago | Reuters — U.S. hog futures dropped on Friday as pressure from large domestic supplies overshadowed an uptick in pork sales to China. Traders are keeping an eye on Chinese demand because China, the world’s biggest pork consumer, is grappling with a fatal pig disease, African swine fever. Farmers are hoping China will further […] Read more
CBOT weekly outlook: Trade bullish into New Year
Reading Time: < 1 minute MarketsFarm — Agriculture commodities on the Chicago Board of Trade were mixed on Friday, the last day of the January contract and one of the last trading days of 2019. Traders were “shoring up positions ahead of the weekend,” with profit-taking a feature, said Terry Reilly of Futures International in Chicago. Soybeans were lower after […] Read more
U.S. grains: Wheat, soy touch highest prices since summer 2018
Reading Time: 2 minutes Chicago | Reuters — U.S. wheat and soybean futures on Friday touched their highest prices since summer 2018 on expectations for increased Chinese buying as a result of an initial trade deal. Soybeans closed lower in a retreat from the gains. The markets continued to focus on prospects for more U.S. sales to China after […] Read more
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
