General news

We are in-between seasons right now, with the usual market volatility. There are still many concerns with the seed markets. One we are keeping a close eye on, size of the analysis of each crop. These begin to pour in over the coming months. The reason for our concerns, knowing very well there were low to zero carries over from the previous crops.

 The real news is on the political tug of war between the White House and the Chinese government. (The newest threats of a 25 % tariff)

While I certainly understand the principals of fair trade.  It seems to me; all the tariff is causing are higher prices for us, that will get passed onto the customers/Consumers.  Most recently the Chinese are striking back with their own Tariffs on exports to the US. Keep reading, and you learn what effects this is having on the seeds market.

Pumpkin seed kernels:

The market is reacting to the political pull from both sides. Add this onto tighter supplies. We now have seen an increase of twenty percent (20%) in the "AA" Shine skin pricing, and fifty percent (50%) price increase in the "A" Shin Skin product, in only the last two months! Also, the "A" shine skin market seems to have dried up for the time being. Driven by tightened supplies of qualities in the raw material. It has led to a closer than usual spread between A grades and AA grades. Since new crop will not ship until October, (Best Case) we feel these levels will continue to be volatile until new crop physical supply in early 2020.

Sesame seed:

Uncertain times! African sesame areas are currently facing some uncertainty. The coup in Sudan puts a question mark over steady, reliable supply from this area, and the second cyclone hitting Mozambique interrupts supply from here, particularly considering they would usually harvest in June. These factors help support the market. In India we expect the summer crop to arrive in market yards from next week and hopefully lift the current very disappointing delivery numbers. As we have reported through this year, India has had to rely on African imports for this season. The extent of this has been as follows:

China demand stays strong, with supplies coming mainly from Niger & Sudan currently. So, as usual, there is sesame in the market place, but in the wrong location or challenged with supply conditions.

Central America is mid-season, so nothing material developing in the region. Availability of material is tightening, and there have been some challenges on quality with some consignments recently having issues with pesticides, leading to a firming of prices.

Sunflower:

We are waiting for the planting figures for the BG regions, but we are expecting an overall decrease in the area compared to previous seasons. The season will depend now on the growing conditions and amount of moisture, which is currently below past years’ levels already, threatening a further drought this year, and delaying planting somewhat. Combined with firming mineral oil markets and worries over the rapeseed crop already in the EU it looks like a general firming in markets for the new crop is the consensus.

Poppy seed:

Mainly reseller market now, and prices starting to stabilize somewhat for any old crop stocks. Eyes turn to new crops which are expected to be useful, but obviously, weather dependent. Carryover will be zero, so prices will not be declining as the whole supply chain will need to be filled first, and buyers will have more pressure on them than sellers

Brown Flax Seed:

Stable as she goes! The market is in a stable situation with supply and demand. We hope to see a more natural market for 2019 harvest, but it will not be significantly lower in our view.

Hulled Millet:

Supply issues have resolved in the US, and now the thaw has occurred, so we see no problem on supply, and expect a slight decline in pricing once the Eastern European supplies start in the autumn.