Today (Mar. 11), the market for grains in China is shown as follows:
Corn:
Domestic corn prices keep steady with slight fluctuations today. The price prevails at 1,930-1,980 yuan/tonne with individual declines of 10 yuan/tonne compared to yesterday among deep-processing enterprises in Shandong. At Jinzhou port, Liaoning, some traders offer the purchasing price at 1,875-1,900 yuan/tonne flat from yesterday (moisture 14.5% and test weight 700-720 g/L). At Bayuquan port, the purchasing price of new corn of 2019 is 1,880-1,890 yuan/tonne unchanged from yesterday (test weight 690-700 g/L). At Shekou port, Guangdong, the second-class corn price remains at 1,990 yuan/tonne, which is unchanged with yesterday.
Due to recent rainy weather and a continuous decrease in corn price in North China, there are not many vehicles arriving in Shandong this morning. But for the moment, the corn sales in northeast area has been sped up, and farmers run out stocks of ground-corn (which heaps on the ground) and are in no hurry to sell the rest loft-corn (which reserves in loft). Meanwhile, the inventories in some northeast enterprises are significantly lower than the same period last year after recent consumption, so they are in demand of replenishment. Also, with the grain dryer in producing area starting working and the subordinated storehouse raising price to purchase corn, seeing an increase of buyers and supporting local market. Therefore, the overall trend of northeast market is still strong. Today, corn prices are up 10 yuan/tonne in individual regions. Nevertheless, there is still much surplus corn with high moisture in North China. In addition, domestic meats consumption is poor amid the coronavirus, impacting the replenishment of poultry of short breeding cycle. Especially after March, the demand for feed significantly decreases, so businesses are not active in purchasing corn. Under lower consumption of corn, the market is restricted further. Due to the different supply characteristics in different regions, short-term corn market will still fluctuate slightly.
Sorghum:
Domestic sorghum prices are stable today, of which dried sorghum prices prevail at around 2500-2600 yuan/tonne. Traders gradually return to the market, while sorghum is in reducing supply, so both farmers and traders are maintaining prices. But imported sorghum will be arriving at ports in huge amount, which is of lower price and will crack down on domestic sorghum market. On the whole, sorghum price is predicted to be little changed.
Imported sorghum prices are stable, of which US raw sorghum is quoted at 2000-2050 yuan/tonne. Chinese importers are purchasing US sorghum after getting tariff exemptions. Around 5 cargoes will arrive in China as of June, according to Cofeed. Sorghum imports from the US will gradually increase, which will thus weigh on prices in the market.
Barley:
Imported barley prices keep steady today. Logistics are recovering as some regions cleat the blockade in roads, and enterprises are set to resume work and imports. But some traders are only making pre-sales and had difficulty making shipment as logistics are still slow under the influence of the coronavirus. Imported barley price is predicted to stay stable amid concerns over the virus.
(USD $1=CNY¥6.96)