Key US grain exports could offset Ukraine turmoil next year
US grain exports could fall 15% in 2023, but a brighter outlook lies ahead, argues BIMCO
BIMCO analyst Filipe Gouveia forecasts an increase in US exports next year, which could help ensure sufficient global maize supplies and mitigate losses resulting from the war in Ukraine and, for now, the end of the Black Sea grain agreement
US GRAIN exports are forecast to increase next year, helping ensure sufficient global maize supplies and potentially mitigate losses resulting from the war in Ukraine and the end of the Black Sea grain agreement.
“US soyabean, maize, and wheat exports could fall 15% in 2023 due to droughts that affected harvests last year. However, the upcoming maize harvest may drive a recovery in US grain shipments from the fourth quarter onwards,” said BIMCO shipping analyst Filipe Gouveia.
According to the US Department of Agriculture, the 2022 soyabean and maize harvests were affected by drought, which caused a 4% and 9% year-on-year decline in volume respectively.
As the second-largest soyabean and maize exporter, the US has a significant impact on global supplies. While the loss of US soyabeans has been compensated by a large harvest in Brazil, replacing US maize has been more challenging. Argentina’s 2023 maize harvest was also affected by drought, and the war in Ukraine limited both the size of the country’s harvest and its ability to export it.
“In the first seven months of 2023, global grain shipments are estimated to be down 4% year on year. This has contributed to a deterioration of panamax spot rates, as grains account for 23% of panamax cargo,” said Gouveia.
The Baltic Exchange’s Panamax Index is at an average of 1,028 points so far in July. This is uncharacteristically low for this time of year, marking the worst July for panamax earnings since 2016. However, as shipments of a record Brazilian maize harvest ramp up this month, rates could improve.
In addition to higher Brazilian maize shipments, a pick-up in shipments out of the US is expected in the fourth quarter, which could further support rates. The USDA estimates a 1% and 12% year-on-year increase in volume for the 2023 soyabean and maize harvests respectively.
Despite the positive outlook, downside risks for US grains remain. In its latest update, the USDA revised its estimate downwards for the soyabean harvest due to dryness in the Midwest. If unfavourable weather persists, further crop loss could occur. Logistical challenges could also emerge if the water levels in the Mississippi River continue to drop, as 60% of US seaborne grain exports are loaded in ports at the river’s mouth.
