StoneX logo

China Standoff and Weather Risks Hit U.S. Crops

China Standoff and Weather Risks Hit U.S. Crops

Bertrand Oesterle, StoneX VP of Clearing and Execution Sales, breaks down how weather, trade disputes and global supply dynamics are reshaping agricultural markets.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. corn and soybean yield estimates are slipping due to weather and disease concerns
  • China remains absent from U.S. soybean imports as it releases reserves
  • Wheat and oilseed markets face pressure from shifting global supply

Corn and Soybean Outlook

Bertrand Oesterle noted that U.S. corn yields have likely peaked after the August report, with weather and rust disease prompting downward revisions. Soybeans face similar pressure, with crop conditions weakening and export demand lagging. “The window of opportunity is basically getting shorter and shorter”.

China Trade Uncertainty

Talks between the U.S. and China ended without progress, leaving soybean exports stalled. Instead, China is releasing reserves, raising doubts about near-term demand. This is significant given that the bulk of U.S. soybean exports to China traditionally occur between September and January.

Oilseed and Wheat Dynamics

Rapeseed and canola supplies are mixed, with Ukraine introducing a 10% export tax, Europe stabilising, and Canada and Australia reporting steady output. Wheat has come under heavy pressure, with French ending stocks at 20-year highs and Russian exports rising. Paris wheat futures are testing contract lows, adding stress for European farmers.

Global Risks and Market Watchpoints

Bertrand Oesterle flagged key risks ahead including the upcoming USDA report, the winding down of harvest pressure, and the potential impact of La Niña weather patterns. Currency moves also matter, with a weaker dollar offering some support but euro strength challenging European exporters.

Make Market Insights Your Competitive Advantage

Access live prices, supply and demand data and actionable market commentary across commodities, equities, currencies and more. Sign up for StoneX Market Intelligence today and receive a free trial.

Sign up for a free Market Intelligence trial today

 

See our financial videos hub

 

---- Written by Frederic Guetin, StoneX TV Producer

---- Expert: Bertrand Oesterle, StoneX VP of Clearing and Execution Sales

  • Grains & Oilseeds

The subsidiaries of StoneX Group Inc. provide financial products and services, including, but not limited to, physical commodities, securities, clearing, global payments, risk management, asset management, foreign exchange, and exchange-traded and over-the-counter derivatives. These financial products and services are offered in accordance with the applicable laws in the jurisdictions in which they are provided and are subject to specific terms, conditions, and restrictions contained in the terms of business applicable to each such offering. Not all products and services are available in all countries. The products and services offered by the StoneX Group of companies involve risk of loss and may not be suitable for all investors. Full Disclaimer. This content is not intended for residents of any particular country, and the information herein is not advice nor a recommendation to trade nor does it constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product or service, by any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation. Please refer to the Regulatory Disclosure section for entity-specific disclosures. No part of this material may be copied, photocopied or duplicated in any form by any means or redistributed without the prior written consent of StoneX Group Inc. The information herein is provided for informational purposes only. This information is provided on an ‘as-is’ basis and may contain statements and opinions of the StoneX Group of companies as well as excerpts and/or information from public sources and third parties and no warranty, whether express or implied, is given as to its completeness or accuracy. Each company within the StoneX Group of companies (on its own behalf and on behalf of its directors, employees and agents) disclaims any and all liability as well as any third-party claim that may arise from the accuracy and/or completeness of the information detailed herein, as well as the use of or reliance on this information by the recipient, any member of its group or any third party.


© 2026 StoneX Group Inc. all rights reserved.

Satellite view of Earth at night showing illuminated cities across Asia and the Middle East

Discover more insights

Our subscribers have access to comprehensive market analysis from StoneX spanning commodities, equities, currencies and more.

Related articles for Grains & Oilseeds

What a Super El Niño Means for Food Inflation Over the Next Six Months

A strong super El Niño has started, but the crop damage that would lift food prices is still expected to land between September and December. Indian wheat area and Southeast Asian palm oil production sit at the front of the transmission chain, with Brazil the larger unresolved question.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team
  • Grains & Oilseeds

Russian Wheat's Logistics Crisis Is Turning into a Production Problem

Damage to Black Sea ports has stalled grain exports, but the more serious risk is now forming on the farm. Collapsed farmgate prices and a Russian fuel crisis have put part of the wheat harvest in question.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team
  • Grains & Oilseeds

Perspective: Morning Commentary for August 13

August 13 – The major stock indices traded quietly mixed overnight ahead of this morning’s weekly job numbers and producer price index data. Like Wednesday, this morning’s data was considered good as well, providing support for stocks while generally allowing Treasury yields to slip a bit lower. The VIX is trading near 14.4, which is just above yesterday’s new low for the year. The dollar index is trading near 99.8. Yields on 10-year Treasuries are trading near 4.64%, while yields on 2-year Treasuries are trading near 4.15%. WTI crude oil is trading near $81 per barrel, while Brent trades near $87 per barrel. Wheat prices again firmed overnight on geopolitical risks in the Black Sea Region, while corn and soybean prices pulled back modestly from yesterday’s big gains.

Arlan Suderman
Arlan Suderman
  • Grains & Oilseeds
  • Energy
  • Dairy
  • Renewable Fuels
  • Cocoa
  • Coffee
  • Cotton
  • Sugar
  • Meats & Livestock
  • Forest Products
StoneX: We open markets

Our market expertise, advanced platforms, global reach, culture of full transparency and commitment to our clients’ success all set us apart in the financial marketplace.

Reach

With access to 40+ derivatives exchanges, 180+ foreign exchange markets, nearly every global securities marketplace and numerous bilateral liquidity venues, StoneX’s digital network and deep relationships can take clients anywhere they want to go.

Transparency

As a publicly traded company meeting the highest standards of regulatory compliance in the markets we serve, our financials and track record are matters of public record. StoneX’s commitment to “doing the right thing over the easy thing” sets us apart in the industry and helps us build respect, client trust and new partnerships.

Expertise

From our proprietary Market Intelligence platform to “boots-on-the-ground” expertise from award-winning traders and professionals, we connect our clients directly to actionable insights they can use to make more informed decisions and achieve their goals in the global markets.