Ukrainian corn prices fell below UAH 5,000/t as higher road and rail logistics costs to Danube ports and western border terminals, caused by delayed unloading and limited storage capacity, pressured domestic demand.
As of October 12, Ukraine had harvested 3.486 million tonnes of corn from 589,400 hectares, or 13% of the area, at an average yield of 5.91 t/ha. Growing harvest availability is adding supply pressure, although farmers continue to offer initial lots at relatively firm levels.
Corn exports during the first 12 days of October totalled just 78,000 tonnes, down from 223,000 tonnes a year earlier. Season-to-date exports reached 2 million tonnes, compared with 1.138 million tonnes over the same period last year, reflecting strong shipments in July and August.
Ukrainian EXW-elevator bids declined by UAH 300–500/t over the week to UAH 4,500–5,000/t. Danube-delivered prices fell by $10/t to $160–165/t, with November offers at $150/t. Western-terminal prices remained at $165–175/t, while February delivery was indicated at $185–190/t.
Paris March corn futures rose 3.2% weekly to €280.75/t, partly offsetting local weakness, while Chicago December futures fell 4.6% to $189/t amid higher US production forecasts.