BRUSSELS. While lockdowns in China are slowing demand, some oilseed exports from Ukraine to the EU have picked up sharply since July. Much, however, remains to be done to improve exports from Ukraine, one idea that is being floated is a pipeline for vegetable oils.

FRANKFURT. While Russia is disgracing itself by selling stolen grain from Ukraine and conducting a systematic theft of agricultural machinery, the European Commission has finally issued a proposal to phase out any involvement in the Russian oil industry. Buyers and suppliers in the agri-food and feed industry are, however, becoming increasingly nervous over skyrocketing production and transport costs and possible new sanctions.

FRANKFURT. As if a war is not enough, several countries are currently determined to act as bad boys and further exasperate the already impossible supply and demand situation in the food and feed commodity market. Russia’s decision to suspend gas exports to Poland and Bulgaria, coupled with Indonesia’s rather sudden ban on all palm oil exports and China’s bizarre zero-Covid strategy are directly impacting all trading activities relating to a whole range of commodities. Good news, however, is that producers in Ukraine are seeking creative ways to keep supplies up and running.

CHICAGO/HAMBURG. Market and price trends with trade assessments. China's meat supply is rising, but prices are declining. For rapeseed and canola, the market is doing a balancing act between the old and the new crop.