Reading Time: 3 minutes Futures markets have seen a record-breaking run in cocoa prices in 2024, a surge exacerbated by the hedge funds that provide much of their liquidity heading for the exit.
Why have cocoa futures hit record highs this year?
China to promote modernization of farms in pledge to stabilize grain output
Reading Time: 2 minutes China will accelerate the pace of agricultural and rural modernization and stabilize grain planting area in its quest to ensure stable and high production of grains, state media reported on Wednesday, citing an annual rural policy meeting.
IGC cuts global wheat crop outlook on poor EU harvest
Reading Time: < 1 minute The International Grains Council (IGC) said on Thursday it has trimmed its forecast for 2024/25 global wheat production driven partly by a diminished outlook for the European Union.
Russian farmers ditch wheat for other crops after heavy losses
Reading Time: 4 minutes Russian farmers say they will sow less wheat after heavy losses this year, switching to more profitable crops such as peas, lentils, or sunflowers.
World food prices reach 18-month high in October, UN says
Reading Time: 2 minutes World food prices rose in October to an 18-month high as vegetable oils led increases seen in most food staples, United Nations' data showed on Friday.
U.S. farm producers brace for hit to exports to China in Trump administration
Reading Time: 2 minutes Some U.S. agriculture producers are bracing for the prospect of a fresh trade war under U.S. President-elect Donald Trump again hitting exports of farm goods to China, but they said while any new tariffs would hurt, they felt better prepared.
Russia’s grain policies help Ukraine secure sales
Reading Time: 2 minutes Russia's curbs on wheat exports have inadvertently helped Ukraine secure lucrative sales to Egypt this week while also inflating prices for the world's top importer, traders said.
Global commodity markets react to Trump victory
Election results expected to have deep, immediate effects on global economies
Reading Time: 3 minutes Commodities from grains, to oil and gas dropped on Wednesday morning as the U.S. dollar rallied and victory for Republican Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election stoked concerns about tariffs and economic growth.
October weather did not favour Ukraine’s winter crops, scientists say
Reading Time: < 1 minute October weather, as well as in September, was unfavourable for the development of Ukrainian winter crops, most of which lack moisture, analyst APK-Inform quoted the Ukrainian national agricultural academy as saying on Monday.
China seeks stronger soybean ties with Russia
Reading Time: < 1 minute China is willing to cooperate more closely with Russia in the soybean industry, its agriculture ministry quoted an official as saying on Wednesday, without giving any details.
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
