Markets - General
Grain markets were mostly higher in Thursday’s trade following a fairly friendly report, for corn in particular. Cattle futures continued to struggle in the midst of a risk off trade in the outside markets.
A tsunami of volatility has swept across global markets over the last few trading days as market participants position in the face of potential tariffs.
Jerry Gulke, president of the Gulke Group, says one of the markets that was able to cut through the tariff noise and end higher for the week was corn.
The 34% reciprocal tariff announced by China on Friday is in addition to the original 20% retaliatory tariff China issued in March, which targeted 15 products including beef, cotton, grain sorghum, pork, corn, dairy and fresh fruit.
Farmers and farm groups have mixed reactions and lingering questions following President Trump’s announcement of sweeping reciprocal tariffs. Will farmers receive aid to offset tariff impact? How will U.S. trading partners react?
On Wednesday afternoon, President Trump announced a series of tariffs, scheduled to start over the next few days, on some of agriculture’s most significant trade partners. Some corn and soybean growers say they are bracing themselves for potentially more financial pain ahead.
Volatility across multiple markets has been the theme in the last trading day of the month and quarter. Traders brace for a USDA report and potential tariff headlines
Continued good demand into 2025/26 is likely as any positive tariff results wouldn’t end in one year — potentially sustaining the corn bull market.
The senior senator from Iowa wants E15 approved for year-round use, fair and tariff-free trade, plus more action and a lot less talk regarding tax cuts and budget reconciliation efforts in the Senate.
