War Continues to Create Volatile Global Grain Market

source:Oliver Longworth, Primetics

Global agricultural industries are set for further disruptions following Russia’s’ invasion of Ukraine in February.

As key suppliers of important agricultural commodities like wheat, corn, and barley, the war between Russia and Ukraine has causeddisastrous consequencesfor agricultural markets worldwide, specifically the grain and feed sectors.

Increasing Volatility In An Already Volatile Grain Market

Due to the volatility of grain prices, low margins, and the unpredictability of supply at times, commercial grain trading remains one of the most challenging global markets.

战争在乌克兰没有exception, as grain markets see further price increases. Ukraine is a significant exporter of milling wheat and feed grains to the global market, accounting for 30% of global wheat exports.

The stakes were higher this year than ever before, with Russia and Ukraine anticipating a 12% increase in global wheat exports. Despite the optimism of some Ukrainian suppliers at the beginning of the conflict,Henry Matthews, Senior Lecturer in Agriculture, warned that due to fuel, labor, and fertilizer shortages during the most vital period of the year, wheat production could plummet by 12 million tonnes.

Commodity prices had already increased by 55% prior to the invasion, as many people were concerned about what might happen. With the war causing so much geopolitical uncertainty, the global grain market is projected to remain highly volatile.

牲畜Fe粮食市场波动的影响ed

The livestock feed sector has also struggled as a direct result of rising grain prices and supply disruptions.

Russia and Ukraine account for significant proportions of key components of livestock feed, including 28% of global wheat exports, 18% of corn exports and 30% of barley exports.

According to research conducted by the Ukraine Institute of Agrarian Economy, virtually all poultry, pork, egg, and beef producers in Ukraine are also suffering losses as a result of unusually high feed grain prices.

British pig farmers have also warned that the industry is in danger of collapsing since feed prices have already risen by 50% in a week. As a result, institutions such as theNational Pig Association (NPA)have already urged retailers to pay more for pork in a desperate attempt to save many pork farmers from the brink of collapse.

The current scenario, according to Dr. John Rich, Chairman of the MHP, is"on a knife's edge,"with the next several weeks vital for sowing wheat and other crops.

MHP can now sow crops in two to three weeks, but with Russian troops advancing by the day and already holding approximately 15% of Ukrainian territory, this may change shortly.

With such uncertainty surrounding the Russian army's progress, the price of wheat, corn, and other commodities is expected to rise further.

At a time of spiraling inflation and ongoing supply issues caused by COVID-19, the near future appears bleak for those in the sector.