USDA's WASDE Update: Wheat Tightens, Corn Loosens

WASDE update: Tighter wheat and looser corn market

The USDA’s latest monthly WASDE report was constructive for wheat as adverse weather in Australia, Canada and the EU is expected to tighten global supply. However, the release was more bearish for corn on the back of revisions higher to US acreage and ending stocks.

 

Higher acreage pushes US corn supply up

The USDA revised up its 2023/24 US corn production estimates by 23 million bushels to 15.13 billion bushels, with an increase in acreage offsetting lower yields. This is higher than the roughly 15 billion bushels the market was expecting. Planted acreage estimates were increased by 0.8 million acres to 94.9 million acres, whilst yield estimates were lowered by 1.3bu/acre to 173.8bu/acre. With no changes to demand estimates, 2023/24 ending stocks were increased by 19 million bushels to 2.2 billion bushels. This is higher than the roughly 2.13 billion bushels the market was expecting. Therefore, it was not surprising to see CBOT corn coming under pressure following the release.

For the global balance, 2023/24 ending stock estimates were revised up from 311.1mt to 314mt primarily due to higher beginning stocks and expectations for larger US output. The market was expecting a number below 310mt, so again, the USDA’s estimate is a lot more bearish than what the market was expecting. It will also provide some comfort to those who have been concerned over lower export availability from Ukraine since the suspension of the Black Sea Grain deal.

 

Corn supply/demand balance

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