Browse Data and Analysis

Post forecasts marketing year (MY) 2022/2023 rice harvested area at 11.5 million hectares and production at 35.65 million metric tons (MT), down slightly from the USDA official numbers due to crop damage resulting from heavy floods in the northern part of the country. Local prices of rice, wheat, and corn hit record highs in July 2022.

The weak southwest monsoon in first half of June 2022 slowed ongoing plantings of the kharif (fall harvested) season crops. Plantings will recover under adequate soil moisture conditions with the revival of monsoon starting the third week of June, along with expected normal precipitation in July. On July 6, India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry notified authorizing the export of wheat flour and other products (Harmonized Tariff System - HS code 1101) only on the recommendation of Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Export of Wheat.

On June 30, Egypt's General Authority for Supply Commodities (GASC) purchased 815,000 metric tons (MT) of wheat in a tender from four countries – France, Romania, Russia, and Bulgaria.

Post revises China's Marketing Year (MY) 2022/23 feed demand upward by 4.5 million metric tons (MMT) based on recovering demand for hog feed. Rice substitution for corn in feed rations may play a more significant role because of price advantages over corn and other corn substitutes. Post adjusts wheat production in MY2022/23 upward by 2 MMT to 135 MMT based on improved growing conditions.

On May 17, the Government of Iraq (GOI) announced higher purchase prices for locally-produced wheat in an effort to incentivize farmers to market their crop to the Ministry of Trade. On June 8, the GOI also passed a food security bill that allows the government to use public funds to meet urgent food needs, including issuing tenders to import wheat.

The Algerian Minister of Agriculture forecasts Algerian grain production to reach 3 to 3.2 million metric tons (MMT) in MY2022/23. This is an increase from last marketing year and supports the Algerian policy to increase domestic production.

Post increased its corn production forecast for Marketing Year (MY) 2022/23 to 120 million metric tons (MMT) based on strong demand, increased prices in the domestic and international markets, and diminishing uncertainty over the availability of fertilizers. For MY 2021/22, Brazil’s corn planted area is set to reach new records.

Based on the government’s international procurement intentions, the 2022/23 wheat import forecast is increased from 2.0 to 2.5 million tons (MMT). Due to water shortages in key producing areas during the early planting season, the rice production forecast for 2022/23 (November-October) is reduced from 9.0 to 8.6 MMT.

UAE’s overall economic recovery will boost consumption and imports of grain and feed in MY 2022/23. The Ukraine conflict and other factors contributing to high commodity prices and food security may put downward pressure on UAE consumption in MY 2021/22.

Morocco is facing low wheat production in marketing year 2022/23 due to drought. The Ministry of Agriculture forecasts total wheat and barley production at 3.2 million metric tons, about 62 percent down from the previous year’s crop (10.2 million metric tons).

Wheat production for marketing year (MY) 2022/23 is forecast slightly lower than the USDA official forecast based on updated industry and Mexican government data that reflect adverse weather conditions.

Executive Order #171, Series of 2022, modifies market access for MFN tariffs on corn and rice through December 31, 2021, necessitating changes to Post’s corn and wheat balance sheets but not rice.