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The jury is still out on the impact of El NiñoWeather has always been a key factor influencing the outlook for major commodities, especially agricultural commodities. The arrival of El Niño in June 2023 has led to a wide divergence in the performance across agricultural commodities. As discussed in our previous blog “What does El Niño’s return mean for commodities?”, the effects of El Niño include specific wind patterns across the Pacific Ocean, heavy rain in South America, and droughts in Australia and parts of Asia including India and Indonesia. This is why certain commodities such as cocoa, sugar, soybean oil and grains tend to depict a price positive environment following an El Niño phenomena. So far in 2023 – cocoa, sugar and cotton have been key beneficiaries of the El Niño weather phenomena whilst wheat, corn and soybeans have posted a weaker performance. How is the El Niño evolving? With the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasting more than a 95% probability of El Niño continuing through the Northern Hemisphere winter through January - March 2024 , chances are high that we continue to see further weather abnormalities over the coming months. There is now around a 71% chance that this event peaks as a strong El Niño this winter1. The main El Niño monitoring metric showed the average sea surface temperature in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean—was 1.3˚Celsius (2.3˚Fahrenheit) above the long-term average in August, up from 1˚C in July1. The whole ocean (Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Artic and Southern Ocean ) was over 1˚C above the 20th-century average in August, the first time that’s happened in the 174-year record2. An important aspect of ocean changes is the sea level height. Presently there is a strong ocean sea level rise in the easterly tropical Pacific, a clear sign that El Niño is active3. The changes in the ocean heat content are mainly due to the expansion and rise of the strong subsurface warm pool. This also causes the sea level height to increase, usually associated with warmer waters. Agricultural commodities price response to El Niño will vary The growing of agricultural products is sensitive to weather patterns. For some crops, El Niño could boost production, while for others it could damage production. This is because the drift in warm water across the Pacific moves’ evaporation and rain such that Southeast Asia and Australia tend to get drier while Peru and Ecuador tend to receive more precipitation. Should the weather event intensify, it could be a significant catalyst for price gains in cocoa, soybean oil, sugar, and grains as discussed in “What does El Niño’s return mean for commodities?” blog. Cocoa and sugar lead the commodity scoreboard in El Niño ’s slipstream Cocoa has been an important beneficiary of the El Niño. The concentration of supply in West Africa, nearly 70% of global supply4, underlines the outsized impact of the region’s weather patterns on the world’s cocoa supplies and prices. The emerging El Niño is likely to hamper the next main crop that begins in October as it tends to bring dry and hot conditions to West Africa. This comes at a time when heavy rains in West Africa have triggered the Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD) and the spread of Black pod diseases. The diseases alongside the high cost of inputs, have not spared the two leading producers (i.e., Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana) and affected their volume of production5. Despite high cocoa prices, demand evident from cocoa grinding continues to rise in Asia and the US6. Sugar has also benefitted from the emergence of El Niño as lower rainfall in Asia, namely India and Thailand have resulted in lower sugar production. However, we expect further upside for sugar prices to be capped as Brazil (the world’s largest producer and exporter) is likely to fill the gap. Production in Brazil’s main Centre- South (CS) growing region between the start of the crop year in April and mid-August already amounted to 22.7mn tons, which is up 22% over the same period last year7. What’s more, the sugar mix increased to 51.1% in H1 September, up from 50.7% in H2 August signalling that Brazilian mills continue to favour sugar production over ethanol amidst higher sugar prices5. Extreme weather conditions in China have reduced domestic supplies. China is also planning to release 1.3mn tons of sugar from its reserves, to increase domestic supplies and stabilise prices4. Wheat prices stand to benefit as key producers to face the impact of El Niño On the other end of the spectrum, grains (namely wheat, corn and soybeans) continued to struggle as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) outlined a more bearish outlook for corn while bullish for wheat. The corn harvest is progressing well with 15% of the crop harvested, up from 11% at the same stage last year and also above the five-year average of 13%8. Moscow’s revocation of the secure grain’s corridor through the Black Sea, alongside the Russian attacks on key infrastructure along the Danube River in Ukraine, have lowered grains exports from Ukraine by 25% over the prior year. Yet wheat prices have fallen sharply this year as Russia’s record crop is enabling it to ship huge volumes to world markets. The Grain Industry Association of Western Australia has likewise reduced its crop forecast for the region by 1.5 million tons to 8.5 million tons. Most of Australia is expected to face warm and dry conditions over the next three months9, so further downward revisions are on the cards. Argentinian farmers are also battling with a drought. The Buenos Aires Grain Exchange has already warned that the crop in 2023/24 could be impaired if there is no rainfall in the near future. As the prospects for the wheat crop amongst major producer countries are becoming increasingly weak, we expect wheat to benefit from these rising tailwinds. Conclusion There has been a wide divergence within the commodity linked Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) flows since the start of the year. Agriculture linked ETFs have seen US$458mn worth of outflows while energy linked commodity ETFs raked in US$1.2Bn worth of inflows10. Agriculture linked commodity ETFs likely faced outflows owing to profit taking. We continue to expect plenty of upside in select agricultural commodities as the impact of the El Niño is likely to intensify over the upcoming winter. This material is prepared by WisdomTree and its affiliates and is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. The opinions expressed are as of the date of production and may change as subsequent conditions vary. The information and opinions contained in this material are derived from proprietary and non-proprietary sources. As such, no warranty of accuracy or reliability is given and no responsibility arising in any other way for errors and omissions (including responsibility to any person by reason of negligence) is accepted by WisdomTree, nor any affiliate, nor any of their officers, employees or agents. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
ICEUS:CC1!
by aneekaguptaWTE
What does El Niño’s return mean for commodities?The El Niño weather phenomenon is back on the radar. A new update from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) forecasts that there is a 90% probability of the El Niño event continuing during the second half of 2023. What is the El Niño phenomenon? The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is an oceanic-atmospheric phenomenon with origins in abnormal variations in surface water temperatures in the Central and Eastern Pacific (Latin American coast). It comprises two opposing phenomena (La Niña and El Niño) that historically occur every 2 to 3 years. La Niña brings colder, wetter weather (lasts between 1-3 years), while El Niño brings warmer, drier weather (lasts between 9-12 months). Typical impacts of El Niño When El Niño starts picking up, trade winds slow down and the warm water near Asia starts moving back eastward across the Pacific, reaching the coast of South America. The drift in warm water also moves evaporation and rain such that southeast Asia and Australia tend to get drier while Peru and Ecuador tend to see more precipitation. El Niño typically picks up over the summer and shows its strongest effects over the winter in the Northern Hemisphere. However, the characteristics of the El Niño vary according to its timing and amplitude. World sees hottest July on record El Niño weather disturbances, which affect the entire Indo-Pacific region, lead to heatwaves and droughts. This is why the developing El Niño is likely to amplify the negative effects of climate change in Asia-Pacific, South and East Africa and the Americas. So, it comes as no surprise that large parts of the Northern Hemisphere have witnessed intense heat and devastating rainfall in the first half of 2023. July is expected to be the hottest month on record1; China set a new national daily temperature record in July and was hit by record-breaking rainfall at the start of August2. Large parts of the USA were also gripped by extensive heatwaves, with high temperatures in numerous places3. Canada experienced its worst wildfire season on record, as did parts of the Mediterranean. Implications for agricultural commodities The growing of agricultural products is sensitive to weather patterns. For some crops, El Niño could boost production, while for others it could damage production. Should the weather event intensify, it could be a significant catalyst for price gains in cocoa, soybean oil, sugar and grains. Meanwhile it could be price negative for cotton and coffee. We analysed prices of agricultural commodities over the past 11 episodes of El Niño’s, dating back to the 1960s. In 8 of the last 11 occurrences, wheat, soybean oil and cocoa traded higher by an average of 14%, 6% and 16% respectively, 6 months after the El Niño started. In 9 out of the past 11 occurrences, soybean oil and cocoa traded higher. Soybean oil benefits from tight palm oil supply In the past, El Niño has impacted the supply of agricultural commodities such as palm oil, sugar, wheat, cocoa, and rice. Based on the local weather agency Badan Meteorologi Klimatologi (BMKG)’s reporting, approximately 40 percent of Indonesia’s oil palm area experienced below-normal precipitation in June 20234. The BMKG also indicated that El Niño weather patterns are at weak-to-medium intensity and are expected to peak in August to September 2023. The shortage of palm oil tends to have a knock-on effect on demand for close substitutes such as soybean oil. This comes at a time when the escalation of attacks between Russia and Ukraine is also raising concerns on the supply of edible oils from the Black Sea region. Escalating tensions and the blockade of the Black Sea shipping routes are likely to aggravate the global edible oil and grain supply situation. Rice supply at the mercy of El Niño Dry weather has been threatening crops in the world’s second largest rice exporter, Thailand, with the country facing widespread drought conditions from early 2024. The government has already asked farmers to restrict their planting to just one crop this year. While monsoon rains have brought some relief to rice fields in parts of India (the world’s largest exporter), the country banned exports of non-basmati white rice5. Tightness in the rice market could have a knock-on impact on other staple substitutes, such as wheat. Cocoa benefits from tight supply The return of El Niño conditions is also supporting cocoa because the weather phenomenon tends to bring hot and dry conditions to West Africa. Cocoa growing is concentrated in Africa, with approximately 70% of production in the continent. Historically, El Niño has led to production shortfalls as the weather phenomenon leads to drier spells in Africa during key growing periods. This year, farmers in Ivory Coast, Ghana and Nigeria have reported signs of black pod disease, which causes cocoa pods to turn black and rot. That could also affect the quality or curb the output of beans. The cocoa market is expected to be in a third year of deficit in the 2023-24 season which should keep cocoa prices well supported. Conclusion While an El Niño event is not guaranteed (it has less than a hundred percent probability), and the strength or the duration of the event remain uncertain, it comes on the heels of war which has caused significant disruption to the flow of grains and oilseeds. Inventories of many agricultural commodities (wheat, corn, soybean oil and cocoa) are trading below their 5-year averages, making it harder to absorb a production shock6. El Niño could, therefore, be price supportive for these agricultural commodities. Sources 1 Source World Meteorological Organization. 2 Source China Meteorological Administration. 3 Source US National Weather Service. 4 Source United States Department of Agriculture, as of 3 August 2023. 5 Source Indian Ministry of Consumer Affairs as of 21 July 2023. 6 Source United States Department of Agriculture, as of 31 July 2023. This material is prepared by WisdomTree and its affiliates and is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. The opinions expressed are as of the date of production and may change as subsequent conditions vary. The information and opinions contained in this material are derived from proprietary and non-proprietary sources. As such, no warranty of accuracy or reliability is given and no responsibility arising in any other way for errors and omissions (including responsibility to any person by reason of negligence) is accepted by WisdomTree, nor any affiliate, nor any of their officers, employees or agents. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
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by aneekaguptaWTE
Grains outlook hangs in the balance of the Black Sea Grain deal The failed rebellion by the Wagner group over the June 24th weekend brought to light not only the ineptitude of the Russian top military command but also the carefully crafted image of President Putin as the guarantor of stability. Putin’s assertion that the quick end of the 24-hour revolt had shown the unity of Russians behind him was contradicted by footage of adoring crowds cheering Prigozhin and his fighters as they came out of a southern city they had occupied. It is possible that Putin could step up the escalation between Russia and Ukraine to re-establish his position which currently appears weakened. The recent political turmoil in Russia lowers the probability of the Black Sea Grain deal being extended beyond mid-July (current deal expires on July 18th). No respite in Russia’s sabre-rattling Even prior to the failed coup in Russia, pessimism had been expressed by both the Russian and Ukrainian sides. One senior Ukrainian diplomat has even spoken of a 99% probability of Russia withdrawing from the agreement. Russia has repeatedly threatened to quit the deal, complaining that obstacles remain to its own exports of food and fertilizer. It has also demanded the re-opening of the ammonia pipeline as a condition for renewing the grain corridor deal through the Black Sea. However, the ammonia pipeline was damaged a day before the Kakhovka dam was destroyed on June 6. This increases the risk that Russia could after all follow through on its threat and revoke the grain deal as early as July. Grains outlook clouded by Black Sea Grain deal The original agreement brokered on 22 July 2022, by the United Nations and Turkey to open a safe maritime humanitarian corridor in the Black Sea helped to address the global food security crisis and lower grains prices. Participants on the agricultural markets remain anxious on the extension of the current deal and it could lend additional tailwinds to grains prices. According to data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, wheat, corn and soybeans saw a 21%, 43% and 35% decline in short positioning underscoring a shift in sentiment towards weather uncertainty and geopolitical risk premiums. Top wheat producers forecast weak supply outlook owing to adverse weather conditions The prospects for the wheat crop in key producer countries has disappointed of late owing to adverse weather conditions. Dry conditions and low soil moisture in the west and east coasts of Australia imply that much of the 2023-24 crop has been sown dry and will require adequate and timely rain to allow the plants to germinate. Wheat is a major winter crop in Australia with planting from April and the harvest starting in November. The expected onset of the El Niño conditions from July will likely see winter crop output fall significantly according to Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Science (ABARES). Across the globe, wild weather is affecting crops elsewhere, including Americas and North Africa. Europe is also being impacted by high temperatures and scant rainfall, increasing the risk of damage to the continent’s wheat crops. On the flip side, Canada and Ukrainian wheat supply forecasts are positive. According to Statistics Canada, 26.9 million acres have been planted with wheat – not only is this the highest figure in 22 years, it is also 0.4 million acres more than the analysts surveyed by Bloomberg had expected . The Ukrainian Grain Association (UGA) predicts significantly higher yields this year, meaning that the crop – contrary to what has been expected so far – could actually turn out to be higher than last season. However Ukrainian farmers are likely to struggle to export their grain owing to the uncertainty surrounding the Black Sea grains corridor. Corn market remains bullish Dry weather in the US and Europe has seen the condition of the corn and soybean crop deteriorate resulting in a price positive environment for corn and soybean. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) in its latest crop progress report continues to highlight concerns for the US corn and soybean crop, given the current dry weather conditions. The USDA rates 50% of the corn crop in good-to-excellent condition compared to 67% seen at the same stage last year. Moreover, the rating of the corn crop is the lowest seen for this time of year since 1988. This implies that the USDA’s optimistic forecast of 15.3bn bushels for the us corn crop in 2023/24 will hardly prove reasonable any longer. The National Centres for Environmental Prediction said it expects many parts of the Corn Belt that have been turning dry over the past month will get more rain than usual for this time of year over the next two weeks marking a change from earlier indications that El Niño would limit rainfall for thirsty crops. Soybean is also facing a similar story with 51% of the soybean crop rated good-to-excellent condition compared to 65% at the same time last year . Growing pessimism over the extension of the Black Sea Grains deal beyond mid-July is also likely to lend an additional tailwind for corn and soybean. Weak Chinese imports through most of the 2022/23 season surged in May to over 14.8mmt of corn, wheat, and soybeans, which was the highest monthly total since June 2021 . However we would caution that a fairly muted crop-based biofuel quotas from the US Environmental Protection Agency could offset some of the strength in Chinese demand. The front end of the soybean futures curve has extended its backwardation, now providing investors a 6.4% roll yield compared to 0% last month . This material is prepared by WisdomTree and its affiliates and is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. The opinions expressed are as of the date of production and may change as subsequent conditions vary. The information and opinions contained in this material are derived from proprietary and non-proprietary sources. As such, no warranty of accuracy or reliability is given and no responsibility arising in any other way for errors and omissions (including responsibility to any person by reason of negligence) is accepted by WisdomTree, nor any affiliate, nor any of their officers, employees or agents. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
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by aneekaguptaWTE
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Cocoa outlook improves as El Niño StrengthensCocoa continued its upward price trajectory, rising 3% over the prior month (22 May to 23 June 2023). The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) has corrected its forecast for the supply deficit on the cocoa market in the current crop year up from 60,000 tonnes to 142,000 tonnes as production is expected to be lower and grinding higher than previously expected. The production estimate was lowered by 37,000 to 4.98 million tonnes, while the grinding forecast was revised higher by 45,000 to 5.07million tonnes. The revisions are largely due to Ivory Coast (the world’s largest cocoa producing country) where the crop is set to be 30,000 tonnes lower than the prior forecast, but still 79,000 tonnes higher than last year, resulting in a minor downward revision given the considerable year-on-year shortfall in cocoa arrivals at the ports. On the other hand, 35,000 tonnes more cocoa is set to be ground in Ivory Coast than previously predicted by the ICCO. The higher deficit is likely to push global stocks down to 1.63 million tonnes by the end of the crop year, which equates to a good 32% of annual grinding. The last time the stocks-to-grinding ratio was any lower was 38 years ago. The cocoa price remains well supported against this backdrop. El Niño is now once again a source of concern, as prospects for the new season starting September are not bright due to the threat of dryness. In addition, recent heavy rains have been reported in major producing countries, slowing down mid-crop harvest in top supplier Ivory Coast and elevating fears of disease outbreaks. The front end of the cocoa moved more deeply in contango, with the negative roll yield of -2.5% weighing on performance. This material is prepared by WisdomTree and its affiliates and is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. The opinions expressed are as of the date of production and may change as subsequent conditions vary. The information and opinions contained in this material are derived from proprietary and non-proprietary sources. As such, no warranty of accuracy or reliability is given and no responsibility arising in any other way for errors and omissions (including responsibility to any person by reason of negligence) is accepted by WisdomTree, nor any affiliate, nor any of their officers, employees or agents. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
NYMEX:CJ1!
by aneekaguptaWTE
Geopolitical tensions lend a tailwind to wheatThe geopolitics of wheat has once again come under the spotlight. Wheat prices jumped 4%1 as news broke out that a major dam Kakhovka in southern Ukraine had been destroyed. This is not the first mishap with the dam, as both Russia and Ukraine accused each other of planning sabotage back in October 2022. In Ukraine, flooding caused by the destroyed Kakhovka dam not only poses a risk to people, but also will be a major obstruction to agricultural transport and logistics. This casts further doubts on the recently lowered forecasts for Ukraine’s wheat production and exports owing to the destruction. The dam and reservoir situated on the Dnipro River is in the middle of Ukraine’s traditional main wheat growing area and is a major source of farm irrigation. No respite in Russia’s sabre-rattling There has been no respite in Russia’s sabre-rattling surrounding the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was extended last month for an additional two months. The initiative has been instrumental in allowing Ukrainian grain flows to the world by creating a safe transit corridor. Russia has repeatedly specified the re-opening of the ammonia pipeline as a condition for renewing the grain corridor deal through the Black Sea. However, the ammonia pipeline was damaged a day before the Kakhovka dam was destroyed. This increases the risk that Russia could after all follow through on its threat and revoke the grain deal as early as next month. Net speculative positioning in wheat indicates a level of peak bearishness Market participants were caught off-guard evident from the knee-jerk reaction of wheat prices, up 4%2, intraday following the news. According to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), net speculative positioning in wheat futures was more than 2-standard deviations below the mean3, underscoring the extent of the bearish view held among investors. Dry weather to slash Australia’s next wheat crop by a third Another catalyst fuelling wheat prices higher was an early season estimate from Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Science (ABARES) for a 34% slump in Australia’s wheat production in the coming season. The main reason cited by ABARES is the development of El Niño which is likely to suppress rainfall across large parts of Australia. Dry conditions and low soil moisture in the west and east coasts of Australia imply that much of the 2023-24 crop has been sown dry and will require adequate and timely rain to allow the plants to germinate. Wheat is a major winter crop in Australia with planting from April and the harvest starting in November. The expected onset of the El Niño conditions from July will likely see winter crop output fall significantly according to ABARES. According to the Bureau of Meteorology the dry weather has arrived, with the second driest May on record nationwide and the driest in Western Australia since observations began. Extreme weather conditions among top wheat suppliers to weigh on 2023/24 forecasts Across the globe, wild weather is affecting crops elsewhere, including Americas and North Africa. Europe is also being impacted by high temperatures and scant rainfall, increasing the risk of damage to the continent’s wheat crops. In France, the EU’s largest wheat producer, growing conditions in areas planted to wheat have deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks. The harvest in the largest wheat consumer China has also been affected by torrential rains, potentially boosting demand for wheat imports. Sources 1 Bloomberg as of 6 June 2023 2 Bloomberg as of 6 June 2023 3 Commodity Futures Trading Commission as of 30 May 2023
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by aneekaguptaWTE
On a sugar high, owing to weak supplySugar prices have soared this year, up +21.6%1 owing to concerns about tight global supplies. Lower Indian supply coupled with weaker than expected output from Thailand, (at the second and third largest sugar exporters respectively) continue to provide a tailwind for sugar prices. While Brazil’s harvest in the coming months is expected to be strong, logistical hurdles owing to higher exports of soybean and corn could restrict supplies over the coming months thereby supporting sugar prices higher. Net speculative positioning on sugar is 139% above the 5-year average2. Over the past month, short positioning has declined 16% highlighting the improvement of sentiment on the sugar market. Weaker sugar supply from India India is one of the largest exporters of white sugar, but shipments are controlled by quotas. The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) latest report indicate that Indian sugar production fell marginally to 28.2mt so far this season through 15 March3. ISMA cut its sugar production estimate for 2022/23 crop year to 33.5mn tons from 34.5mn tons on account of lower output and more use of sugarcane for biofuel. Sugarcane processing in Maharashtra, the most important growing state, could end 45-60 days earlier than last year because heavy rainfall has reduced the availability of sugarcane. Sugar production in Maharashtra is likely to total a mere 12.8mn tons according to the chief of State’s sugar commission, nearly 1mn tons less than previously anticipated. Lower sugar output is raising concerns that the India government could restrict additional exports. More use of sugar diverted to India’s Biofuel program At the same time, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is pursuing an aggressive biofuel program that will see more sugar cane diverted to make ethanol to help curb air pollution and reduce oil import bill. The biofuel program also lies in the interest of farmers by making use of excess local production and boosting their incomes. This season, the government plans to divert 5mn tons of sugar to make ethanol, up from 3.6mn tons a year earlier4. The eventual goal is to divert 6mn tons annually toward fuel production by 2025. Lower sugar production in Thailand remains price supportive for sugar Thailand’s Office of the Cane and Sugar board confirmed that Thailand crushed 93.88mt of sugarcane in 2022/23, lower than the initial estimates for more than 100mt of cane5. As a result, the bumper crop expected in Thailand is also falling short, resulting in 2022/23 total sugar output in Thailand will be at around 11mn tons (versus the 12mn tons expected earlier in the season)5. Lower than expected output from Thailand combined with less supply from India remains price supportive for sugar. The front end of the sugar futures curve remains in backwardation yielding a positive roll yield of 2.9% reflecting tightness in the market for short term balances. Logistical bottlenecks could restrict supply from Brazil Looking ahead, progress of the sugar crop in the Centre- South region of Brazil remains a key headwind for sugar prices. Brazil sugar production is expected to be over 36.5mn tons in 2023/24, only slightly less than the all-time high of 38.4mn tons seen in the 2020/21 marketing year6. However, shipping Brazilian sugar could face delays in the Port of Santos as it competes with exports of other Brazilian grains such as corn and soybean. Road freight is also likely to face significant price increases. Santos terminals receive sugar and grains by trains and trucks. However, competition from transporting soybeans has been taking space away from sugar in train cars. Higher freight prices impact the margins of the mills. Likelihood of El Niño, if realised, remains price supportive for sugar With La Niña over, there is now a chance the Pacific Ocean surface could warm later this year and spark what is called El Niño. The US Climate Prediction Centre has raised the likelihood of an El Niño emerging between August and October to 74% from 61% a month ago. One common knock-on effect is higher precipitation volumes which would be positive for sugar prices over the medium term with fewer milling days and sugar production. El Niño could bring relief to drought parched areas of Argentina and southern US, but it could also lead to hotter and drier conditions in parts of Asia and Australia. Conclusion Restricted supply from India alongside lower supply from Thailand have helped sugar along its upward journey so far. Looking ahead, with the Argentinian soybean crop forecasts struggling in the face of the ongoing drought, we expect Brazil to do a lot of the heavy lifting by offsetting the shortfall in supply of both soybean and corn. This is why, logistical hurdles are likely to impede the supply of Brazilian sugar thereby supporting sugar prices higher over the medium term.
ICEUS:SB1!
by aneekaguptaWTE