StoneX logo

Grain Market Outlook from StoneX’s Suderman

By: Andrew Catsimanes, Copywriter • Production

Corn and Soybean Stocks Rise, But China and Brazil Shift the Balance

Key Takeaways

  • Domestic corn and soybean stocks expected to grow – but weather and China could shift the balance
  • Biofuels offer strong demand tailwinds amid uncertain exports
  • Tariff risks and Fed uncertainty add volatility across commodity markets

Arlan Suderman, Chief Commodities Economist at StoneX, presented latest Market Outlook with a clear message: supply may be rising, but risks abound. Drawing on the USDA’s June 30 acreage report and broader macroeconomic signals, Suderman outlined pressures that will shape grain markets in the weeks and months ahead – from weather volatility to global trade friction.

U.S. Balance Sheets Show Expansion – For Now

Suderman noted that corn and soybean stocks are building on the back of strong acreage and early-season yield potential. USDA left yield forecasts unchanged at 181 bu/acre for corn and 52.5 bu/acre for soybeans, aligning with StoneX's expectations. However, weather in August will be decisive. A warm, dry month could reduce seed size and pull yields lower. Alternatively, a mild, moist one could lift them. Suderman cautioned that the models currently imply high yields, but early signs of pollination issues could challenge that outlook.

StoneX’s Corn Yield Model Estimates

Thought Leadership WASDE June Corn Yield Jul 15 

Source: USDA, StoneX calculations

Global Trade and Tariffs Cloud Export Outlook

While U.S. ethanol and grain exports have remained strong, Suderman flagged softening demand from key buyers. Brazil's record corn crop – possibly reaching 142 MMT – will weigh on U.S. exportability. China, which typically books new-crop soybeans in July, had not committed to any U.S. volumes by the time of the webinar. Ongoing tariff battles are disrupting flows and creating uncertainty, especially with a 50% tariff set to hit Brazilian beef and a potential 200% tariff on pharmaceuticals still in discussion.

USDA vs. StoneX corn Supply and Demand Scenarios Table

Thought Leadership WASDE June USDA StoneX Estimates Corn Jul 15 

Source: USDA, StoneX

Biofuel Policies Could Bolster Domestic Demand

Suderman pointed to biofuels as a bright spot. The EPA’s proposed Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs), combined with new tax provisions under Section 45Z, could significantly boost soybean oil and ethanol demand. Still, much hinges on how the EPA handles refinery exemptions and whether policy momentum continues into the 2026 cycle.

Chart of US Soybean Oil Consumption by Category

Thought Leadership WASDE June Soy Use Jul 15 

Source: USDA, Arlan Suderman

 
To watch the fully June webinar coverage on demand, click here.

Dive Deeper

Don’t miss Arlan’s monthly analysis and insights. Register today and receive advance notification before the next Commodity and Economic Outlook webinar.

Register Here

 

–– Written by: Andy Catsimanes

–– Expert: Arlan Suderman, StoneX Chief Commodities Economist

 

  • Grains & Oilseeds

StoneX TV content is created, produced, and distributed solely by StoneX Media Ltd (“StoneX TV”) and is provided for informational and educational purposes only.


StoneX TV does not provide investment, financial, legal, or tax advice and does not make any recommendation or endorsement of any investment strategy, transaction, or financial instrument. Nothing in this content constitutes, or should be construed as, investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any financial instrument, including securities, futures, derivatives, digital assets, foreign exchange products, or CFDs.


This content does not constitute an offer, invitation, or solicitation to engage in any investment activity.


The information presented is general in nature and is not tailored to the financial situation, investment objectives, or risk tolerance of any specific person. You should not rely on this content as a substitute for independent professional advice.


Investing and trading in financial instruments involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results.


Any views or opinions expressed are those of the presenter at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Such views may not necessarily reflect those of StoneX Media Ltd or its affiliates. StoneX Media Ltd and its affiliates, including StoneX Group Inc., may from time to time have positions in, or engage in transactions involving, the financial instruments referenced.


This content may include general market commentary and opinion. It does not constitute independent investment research and has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research.


StoneX Media Ltd is not authorised or regulated to provide investment services and does not act in a fiduciary capacity.


StoneX Media Ltd is incorporated in Ireland and operates in accordance with applicable Irish law. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of StoneX Group Inc. and is a separate legal entity from other subsidiaries within the StoneX Group, which may be regulated in various jurisdictions. StoneX Media Ltd does not act on behalf of, or provide services for, any regulated affiliate.


This content is not directed at, and may not be distributed to, any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution would be contrary to local laws or regulations.


Supporting documentation for any claims, comparisons, statistics, or technical data may be made available upon reasonable request, where applicable.

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

Risks to Soybean Pod Fill Mean More Amid Return of Chinese Demand

Record domestic crush for biofuel has quietly removed the export cushion that once absorbed a wave of Chinese buying. Mike Castle explains why the same purchase volume now tightens the U.S. balance sheet far harder than it did four years ago.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team
  • Grains & Oilseeds

Canada Know-Risk Weekly Agricultural Market Update 9-4-26

Canada Know-Risk Weekly Agricultural Market Update 9-4-26

Jason Labossiere
Jason Labossiere
  • Grains & Oilseeds

Perspective: Morning Commentary for September 4

September 4 – What better way to gear up for Labor Day weekend than a blowout Non-Farm Payrolls report, with this morning’s release showing 162k jobs being added in August, nearly tripling the average analyst estimate and marking the highest reading since March. Even more optimistic, the ugly loss of 23k jobs seen in July was revised notably higher to show 21k jobs being added during the month, while June was revised 11k higher to now show an addition of 31k. It’s interesting to note that August’s strength was seen in both the private and public sector, with the private sector adding 127k jobs in August, the highest monthly gain since April, and the public sector adding 35k jobs, the highest since October 2024. The unemployment rate in the U.S. held steady at 4.1% in August, now tied with July for the lowest level since June of last year. Also notable was the improvement in the labor force participation rate, rising to 61.6% in August from the 61.4% seen in July which represented the lowest rate since the height of the pandemic over six years ago. Overall, this was a very impressive result for the health of the U.S. labor market, keeping one side of the Fed’s dual mandate in check.

Mike Castle
Mike Castle
  • 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 bi-lateral 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 record of accomplishment 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.