Asian corn markets face headwinds in 2021 from high feed costs, diverted demand
Asian feed buyers are facing heightened feed costs in 2021, resulting in a slower uptake of corn amid lower production, while grappling with poor demand brought on by animal disease and consumer demand not returning to pre-COVID levels despite governments gradually relaxing restrictions.
Corn prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis are currently trading at their highest levels since S&P Global Platts began assessing the market in August 2016, supported not only by a buoyant futures market but also high global freight rates.
Pent-up demand for commodities from grains to coal powered the dry bulk shipping market in the first quarter, then tight spot tonnage on the US Gulf Coast and the east coast of South America and a severe cold snap in early February pressured freight prices even higher on long duration front-haul routes out of the key grain-loading areas.