Grain: World Markets and Trade, March 2005

Grain: World Markets and Trade
Foreign Agricultural Service Circular Series
FG 02-05
February 2005

Exports from the main Southern Hemisphere wheat suppliers, Argentina and Australia, have surged this year, returning to levels reached before the 2002 droughts. For the last few months, Argentina has been the world’s cheapest supplier of milling quality wheat, with prices undercutting those of competitors in Mediterranean markets.

Exports are forecast at a near-record level with strong old crop shipments and robust sales of a large new crop. With current reduced Brazilian import demand, new sales have been spread out among diverse destinations in Africa, the Middle East, and even Asia. These aggressive Argentine sales, however, should begin to fade in coming months as the exportable surplus begins to run out and some wheat is maintained for late-season Brazilian purchases.

Australian exports are also up, despite lower production. The combination of strong old crop shipments early in the trade year (Jul/Jun), large carryin stocks, and increased demand in traditional markets has spurred exports, more of which are focused on nearby Asian markets.

Wheat Commentary	[Text]	[Adobe Acrobat Format]
Wheat Data Tables	[Excel Spreadsheet Format]	[Adobe Acrobat Format]

Rice Commentary	[Text]	[Adobe Acrobat Format]
Rice Data Tables	[Excel Spreadsheet Format]	[Adobe Acrobat Format]

Coarse Grains Commentary	[Text]	[Adobe Acrobat Format]
Coarse Grains Data Tables	Excel Spreadsheet Format]	[Adobe Acrobat Format]

Southern Hemisphere Exports Strengthen