Bulgarian corn: nothing new under the sky

May 31, 2017 at 9:12 AM , Starry Night Ltd.
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Exports seem to lack behind because of regional competition. In recent months, average EXW purchasing prices have been somewhat sliding on a downward trajectory.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, by the fourth week of May 2017, sown acreages of corn stood at 402,105 ha. Corn is in its leaf formation phase. Hopefully, this summer will not be characterized by as much draught as the previous one was so that output could be higher.

Corn: prices have been exhibiting a downward trend

SOFIA. Although for the last few days, average EXW prices have risen somewhat, for the last two months, prices have exhibited a descending trend. Exports have been somewhat quiet for a few weeks while local trade activity is what seems to support the price.

Domestic and foreign developments

Locally, corn is mainly used for animal feed, which usage, by the 26.05.2017, stood at 527,000 mt. The rest of the domestic consumption so far, about 310,000 mt, goes for food and industrial usages. As for the latter, the main focus is alcohol production, which has been steadily increasing for the last few years.

The table shows a snapshot of harvest 2016-17, as well as, domestic and foreign trade developments.

Harvest 2016-17

(beginning of harvest till 26.05.2017)

Carry over

400,000 mt

Domestic output

2,218,778 mt

Domestic consumption

837,000 mt

Exports to the world

874,956 mt

 Source: Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture

Foreign exports have been weak so far in the season. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, by the fourth week of May 2017, exports stood at 874,956 mt. The majority of exports (700,509 mt) go to member countries of the European Union, such as Spain, Romania, Greece and France, among others. To the rest of the world, exported corn is shipped in smaller quantities (174,447 mt). Farmers seem to demand higher prices while buyers benefit from better deals because of regional competition.

By the end of the fourth week of May 2017, remaining stocks stood at 1,004,290 mt.

Corn, Bulgaria

Crop

EUR/kg

corn

0.151

EXW Bulgaria

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