Agricultural Market - April 15, 2026

The global agricultural commodities market is experiencing a stabilization in soybean prices. The fall in oil prices and the appreciation of currencies against the dollar have reduced buying pressure. The price per barrel has retreated from levels above US$115 to around US$90. This movement has brought relief to energy costs and reduced speculative activity.

On the Chicago Board of Trade, soybeans are attempting to hold support at $11,40 per bushel. Resistance is appearing at $11,80. Recent attempts to reach $12,00 have failed. The main factor involves the progress of planting in the United States. The planted area reached 6% at the beginning of the week. At the same time last year, and on average historically, the index was at 2%.

States in the producing belt are showing a high pace. Illinois reports 7% of the area planted. Indiana reaches 4%. Regions further north are still facing intense cold, with snow forecast in areas near Canada. Even so, the calendar allows for progress until the end of May. This scenario opens up space for possible area expansion and puts pressure on prices.

In Brazil, the harvest has reached 92% of the area. The pace is slower than the previous year, which saw 95% completion at the same time. Mato Grosso leads with 99%, followed by Paraná at 95%, and Goiás at 90%. In Rio Grande do Sul, the harvest is approaching 50%, with a significant delay. National production is around 180 million tons, a slight increase compared to the previous cycle.

Sales are progressing slowly. Only 55% of the harvest has been negotiated. At the same time last year, the rate reached 60%. The volume available to producers totals approximately 81 million tons. This number exceeds that recorded in the previous cycle.

Exports maintain a high pace. In April, shipments already total 6,5 million tons. The accumulated total for the year reaches 30 million tons. The soybean complex generates US$ 3,2 billion in foreign exchange in just the first few working days of the month.

Corn situation

In the US, corn planting is also progressing above average. The planted area has reached 5%, compared to an average of 4%. Texas leads with 63%. Illinois reaches 4%. Iowa starts with 1%. The market projects a reduction in total area, with expectations close to 38 million hectares, below the 40 million of the previous cycle.

Prices in Chicago are seeking support at $4,40 per bushel in the short term. Longer-term contracts are approaching $5,00. The market signals a possible tightening of future supply due to the smaller planted area.

In Brazil, the first corn harvest has reached 82%. The second crop already occupies the entire planned area. The weather is now defining the productive potential, with attention focused on rainfall until May and the risk of frost in the South. Conab projects a total production of 139,5 million tons. The market is working with lower figures for the second crop, between 105 and 106 million tons.

Wheat situation

Wheat is showing increased volatility. Statements from Russia indicate possible restrictions on exports, with a focus on domestic supply. This movement is supporting a price increase in Chicago, with contracts near US$6,00 per bushel.

In the United States, crop quality is a concern. Only 34% of the fields are rated as good or excellent, down from 47% last year. The percentage of poor or very poor crops reaches 32%.

In Brazil, the wheat acreage is expected to decrease. Conab projects 2,2 million hectares, compared to 2,5 million in the previous cycle. Estimated production is 6,6 million tons. The country is expected to increase its dependence on Argentine wheat.

Rice situation

In the rice market, prices remain stable in the south of the country. Prices range between R$ 60 and R$ 66 per sack in Rio Grande do Sul. The harvest is approximately 80% complete. National production is approaching 11,2 million tons. Exports have accumulated a higher volume than the previous year.

Bean situation

Bean prices are rising slightly. Premium carioca beans are reaching prices between R$ 310 and R$ 340 per sack. Supply is expected to decrease, with a smaller harvest projected. The market indicates further adjustments throughout the year.