News&Events
Romania intends to maximize rapeseed production
In the structure of oilseeds planted in Romania, sunflower has the largest share, followed by rapeseed and soybeans.
In 2023/24, the total area of oilseeds was record high since 2015/16. Rapeseed areas showed the largest.
Rapeseed’s share in the oilseeds area rose significantly to 32%, while sunflower’s share decreased to 60%.
However, rapeseed production does not grow stably due to considerable yield fluctuations. However, 2023/24 yield increased and the production was record.
Romania well-developed biofuel production consumes domestic rapeseed. The balance of harvest is exported mainly to European countries (Germany, France, Belgium, etc.).
After the war started in Ukraine, imported rapeseed from Ukraine come into the market, putting pressure on prices. UkrAgroConsult does not exclude that re-export of Ukrainian rapeseed is accompanied by processing of the part of the imported rapeseed by Romanian biofuel producers.
Following protests by farmers, a ban on rapeseed imports was imposed in Romania. In January 2023, prospects of Ukrainian imports to the EU is unclear, with farmers continuing to demand a ban. The European Commission has decided to amend trade legislation to allow restrictions on imports of Ukrainian agricultural products to neighboring countries. This measure will be in effect until June 2025. The EC decision shall be approved by the European Parliament and the majority of EU member states.
In 2023/24, the total area of oilseeds was record high since 2015/16. Rapeseed areas showed the largest.
Rapeseed’s share in the oilseeds area rose significantly to 32%, while sunflower’s share decreased to 60%.
However, rapeseed production does not grow stably due to considerable yield fluctuations. However, 2023/24 yield increased and the production was record.
Romania well-developed biofuel production consumes domestic rapeseed. The balance of harvest is exported mainly to European countries (Germany, France, Belgium, etc.).
After the war started in Ukraine, imported rapeseed from Ukraine come into the market, putting pressure on prices. UkrAgroConsult does not exclude that re-export of Ukrainian rapeseed is accompanied by processing of the part of the imported rapeseed by Romanian biofuel producers.
Following protests by farmers, a ban on rapeseed imports was imposed in Romania. In January 2023, prospects of Ukrainian imports to the EU is unclear, with farmers continuing to demand a ban. The European Commission has decided to amend trade legislation to allow restrictions on imports of Ukrainian agricultural products to neighboring countries. This measure will be in effect until June 2025. The EC decision shall be approved by the European Parliament and the majority of EU member states.
- Full version of the article is available to subscribers of ‘BLACK SEA VEGOIL’ Weekly Report by UkrAgroConsult...
Last year, Kazakhstan sold a record 833 thousand tons of oilseeds and oils to the Chinese market, which is almost 60% higher than in 2022 (523 thousand tons). This estimate was published by the analysts of the Hamburg-based analytical agency OilWorld (Germany).
They note that in the reporting period, Kazakhstan significantly increased the shipments of oilseed flax – from 174 thsd tonnes in 2022 to 306 thsd tonnes; sunseed – from 191 thsd tonnes to 206 thsd tonnes; safflower seeds – from 48 thsd tonnes to 123 thsd tonnes. Sales of soybeans also increased slightly – from 2 thsd tonnes to 8 thsd tonnes.
At the same time, Kazakhstan’s oil supplies to China also increased: sales of sunflower oil amounted to 138 thsd tonnes compared to 76 thsd tonnes in 2022, and rapeseed oil – 40 thsd tonnes compared to 32 thsd tonnes.
In addition, Kazakhstan started exporting meal to China: in 2023, 2 thsd tonnes of soybean and 10 thsd tonnes of rapeseed meal were shipped...
They note that in the reporting period, Kazakhstan significantly increased the shipments of oilseed flax – from 174 thsd tonnes in 2022 to 306 thsd tonnes; sunseed – from 191 thsd tonnes to 206 thsd tonnes; safflower seeds – from 48 thsd tonnes to 123 thsd tonnes. Sales of soybeans also increased slightly – from 2 thsd tonnes to 8 thsd tonnes.
At the same time, Kazakhstan’s oil supplies to China also increased: sales of sunflower oil amounted to 138 thsd tonnes compared to 76 thsd tonnes in 2022, and rapeseed oil – 40 thsd tonnes compared to 32 thsd tonnes.
In addition, Kazakhstan started exporting meal to China: in 2023, 2 thsd tonnes of soybean and 10 thsd tonnes of rapeseed meal were shipped...
03.02.2024
Drop in Panama Canal transits driven by reduced dry bulk shipments
Transits via the Panama Canal fell by 4.3% in March compared to the previous month driven by a decline in dry bulk shipping, according to data published by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) reported by Freight Waves.
However, the pace of decline had slowed and with more rainfall than expected in November the ACP had been able to increase reservation slots in January, the 19 January report said.
December transits totalled 746, including transits through both the older Panamax locks and the larger Neopanamax locks that opened in 2016.
Compared to November, December transits fell 4.7%, which was a much lower rate of decline than in November when transits dropped 21.9% compared to the previous month.
US soyabean exports to Asia peaked in the fourth quarter of last year, with bulk agriculture cargoes volumes boosted by continued exports of corn and wheat shipped on Panamax-sized or smaller vessels due to terminal restrictions in both the US Gulf and Asia.
In the fourth quarter, Panamax vessels loaded with US farm exports shifted from using the Panama Canal to the Suez Canal route and continued to do so despite Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, the report said.
However, diversions via the Cape of Good Hope were increasing following attacks on two US-owned bulk vessels in the week of the report.
Emergency restrictions on transit reservations introduced by the ACP in November to conserve water were eased at the beginning of January due to improved water levels, Freight Waves wrote.
Scheduled to drop from 22 transits/day in December to 20/day in January and 18/day in February (13 Panamax, five Neopanamax), the ACP had increased daily transit slots to 24/day (17 Panamax, seven Neopanamax) from January...
However, the pace of decline had slowed and with more rainfall than expected in November the ACP had been able to increase reservation slots in January, the 19 January report said.
December transits totalled 746, including transits through both the older Panamax locks and the larger Neopanamax locks that opened in 2016.
Compared to November, December transits fell 4.7%, which was a much lower rate of decline than in November when transits dropped 21.9% compared to the previous month.
US soyabean exports to Asia peaked in the fourth quarter of last year, with bulk agriculture cargoes volumes boosted by continued exports of corn and wheat shipped on Panamax-sized or smaller vessels due to terminal restrictions in both the US Gulf and Asia.
In the fourth quarter, Panamax vessels loaded with US farm exports shifted from using the Panama Canal to the Suez Canal route and continued to do so despite Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, the report said.
However, diversions via the Cape of Good Hope were increasing following attacks on two US-owned bulk vessels in the week of the report.
Emergency restrictions on transit reservations introduced by the ACP in November to conserve water were eased at the beginning of January due to improved water levels, Freight Waves wrote.
Scheduled to drop from 22 transits/day in December to 20/day in January and 18/day in February (13 Panamax, five Neopanamax), the ACP had increased daily transit slots to 24/day (17 Panamax, seven Neopanamax) from January...
03.02.2024
Black Sea carrier Palmali to expand Ukrainian sunflower oil shipping
Istanbul-based tanker operator Palmali has plans to increase its shipments of Ukrainian sunflower oil, the company’s chairman was quoted as saying in a report by Reuters.
As part of its plans, the company would be ordering 10 more cargo carriers and planned to start trading operations early this year, Mubariz Mansimov said.
Since pulling out of the United Nations(UN)-brokered deal that had guaranteed safe shipment of Ukrainian food products in July, Russia had been attacking Ukrainian ports. and Several ships using Ukraine’s new Black Sea shipping lane had also been hit with mines, the 12 December report said.
“We signed an exclusivity agreement with top sunflower and grains trader Potoky for 2024, meaning extra volume,” Mansimov said.
“Palmali aims to ship 90% of Ukraine’s sunflower oil exports from the Danube. And after attacks, we could see less ships calling at Ukraine’s ports. ”
Despite the conflict, Ukraine had maintained its leading role in the global sunflower oil market partly due to high transportation costs that had led some farmers and traders to prioritise higher-value products such as sunflower oil over bulkier items such as corn, Reuters wrote.
According to US Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts, Ukraine will export 5.6M tonnes of sunflower oil in the current 2023/24 season, representing about 40% of global trade.
Palmali loads sunflower oil and grain from Ukraine – mainly from Danube ports – as well as coal and grain from Russia. It also delivers diesel fuel to Ukraine’s power plants using the new route.
The risk of mines and war-risk insurance made shipping costly, although without the long inspection times imposed by the UN-brokered corridor, Mansimov said.
“We notify the Russian side of our passage. Palmali shares both Russia’s and Ukraine’s shipping risks,” Mansimov added.
The bulk of the company’s shipments – which started shortly after Russia’s invasion in 2022 – from Ukraine comprised sunflower oil, the report said...
As part of its plans, the company would be ordering 10 more cargo carriers and planned to start trading operations early this year, Mubariz Mansimov said.
Since pulling out of the United Nations(UN)-brokered deal that had guaranteed safe shipment of Ukrainian food products in July, Russia had been attacking Ukrainian ports. and Several ships using Ukraine’s new Black Sea shipping lane had also been hit with mines, the 12 December report said.
“We signed an exclusivity agreement with top sunflower and grains trader Potoky for 2024, meaning extra volume,” Mansimov said.
“Palmali aims to ship 90% of Ukraine’s sunflower oil exports from the Danube. And after attacks, we could see less ships calling at Ukraine’s ports. ”
Despite the conflict, Ukraine had maintained its leading role in the global sunflower oil market partly due to high transportation costs that had led some farmers and traders to prioritise higher-value products such as sunflower oil over bulkier items such as corn, Reuters wrote.
According to US Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts, Ukraine will export 5.6M tonnes of sunflower oil in the current 2023/24 season, representing about 40% of global trade.
Palmali loads sunflower oil and grain from Ukraine – mainly from Danube ports – as well as coal and grain from Russia. It also delivers diesel fuel to Ukraine’s power plants using the new route.
The risk of mines and war-risk insurance made shipping costly, although without the long inspection times imposed by the UN-brokered corridor, Mansimov said.
“We notify the Russian side of our passage. Palmali shares both Russia’s and Ukraine’s shipping risks,” Mansimov added.
The bulk of the company’s shipments – which started shortly after Russia’s invasion in 2022 – from Ukraine comprised sunflower oil, the report said...
03.02.2024
Sesame seeds: India's December exports up by 22%
NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD. India's sesame seed exports once again increased significantly at the end of the calendar year. Pakistan can also report successful exports.
Prices remain stable
Despite the success of the tender for Indian sesame seed exporters, prices remain stable for the time being and market players expect little movement in the coming weeks. In 2023, India exported a total of 237,468 mt of sesame seeds worth USD 530.404 million, compared to exports of 250,055 mt in the previous year, although the export value was slightly lower at USD 512.356 million. Exports in December were quite lavish, at 15,224 mt they were around 22% higher than in the same month last year and the export value also rose by 39% to USD 41.353 m...
Prices remain stable
Despite the success of the tender for Indian sesame seed exporters, prices remain stable for the time being and market players expect little movement in the coming weeks. In 2023, India exported a total of 237,468 mt of sesame seeds worth USD 530.404 million, compared to exports of 250,055 mt in the previous year, although the export value was slightly lower at USD 512.356 million. Exports in December were quite lavish, at 15,224 mt they were around 22% higher than in the same month last year and the export value also rose by 39% to USD 41.353 m...
03.02.2024
Mustard seeds: farmers to sow less in Canada
OTTAWA. While mustard seeds came under pressure in Canada last week, the situation is now easing slowly. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada expects the area sown to drop in 2024/2025.
Sowing to decline by 13%
First estimates for the 2024 crop issued in January indicate that the area sown will decline by 13% to 217,000 ha. Yet, good yields may compensate for the reduction and production is estimated on a similar level as last year at 170,000 mt. Reassuring as this estimate is, it should however be noted that the weather has frequently impacted production in recent years.
Prices are, in addition, set to range lower next season. Brown mustard seed prices have slumped in recent months, but remained comparatively firm for yellow seeds. According to Rayglen Commodities the pressure should, however, subside...
Sowing to decline by 13%
First estimates for the 2024 crop issued in January indicate that the area sown will decline by 13% to 217,000 ha. Yet, good yields may compensate for the reduction and production is estimated on a similar level as last year at 170,000 mt. Reassuring as this estimate is, it should however be noted that the weather has frequently impacted production in recent years.
Prices are, in addition, set to range lower next season. Brown mustard seed prices have slumped in recent months, but remained comparatively firm for yellow seeds. According to Rayglen Commodities the pressure should, however, subside...
02.02.2024
Sunflower seeds: Coceral expects EU-wide decline in production
SOFIA/DALIAN. The experts at Coceral have made initial forecasts for EU sunflower seed production in 2024, while the European Commission has made further corrections to the data for the current financial year. Meanwhile, domestic demand in China is causing prices to rise further.
Forecasts for the new EU crop
The European Commission has slightly increased its result for EU sunflower seed production in 2023 compared to the last estimates. Year-on-year growth is expected to be 9.5% to 10.182 million mt, which is primarily due to the corrected crop volumes in Romania. These are said to have been around 10% higher than initially assumed and, at 2.319 million mt, are also a tenth higher than the previous year's result. In addition, some minor adjustments were made, but these are not significant. In addition to the increase in production in Romani...
Forecasts for the new EU crop
The European Commission has slightly increased its result for EU sunflower seed production in 2023 compared to the last estimates. Year-on-year growth is expected to be 9.5% to 10.182 million mt, which is primarily due to the corrected crop volumes in Romania. These are said to have been around 10% higher than initially assumed and, at 2.319 million mt, are also a tenth higher than the previous year's result. In addition, some minor adjustments were made, but these are not significant. In addition to the increase in production in Romani...
02.02.2024
Progress of harvesting campaign in Ukraine as of 01 Feb, 2024
By 01 Feb, Ukrainian corn harvesting was 91% done, 1% progress w/w, matching LY pace. Yield is at 7.79 MT/HA vs 6.72 MT/HA LY.