U.S. grains: Soybeans gain ground on Chinese buying

Chicago | Reuters — Chicago corn and soybeans futures climbed on Wednesday as news of Chinese purchases offset strong yield prospects after recent rain across the U.S. Midwest offered relief to pollinating corn crops.

Both commodities gained even after the United States ordered China to close a consulate in Houston, escalating diplomatic tensions and putting future purchases in doubt.

Wheat also gained for a second consecutive session after technical corrections from a nearly three month high last week.

The Chicago Board of Trade December corn contract rose four cents to end at $3.34-3/4 a bushel (all figures US$).

August soybeans added 2-3/4 cents to $8.99-1/4 a bushel after rising to a high of $9.01-1/4 in earlier trade, while September wheat gained 6-3/4 cents to $5.34-1/2 a bushel.

“It all comes down to how much China buys from us,” said Dan Smith, commodity broker with Top Third Ag Marketing, “and how we finish off the crop year.”

Private exporters reported the sale of 453,000 tonnes of soybeans to China and 211,300 tonnes to unknown destinations, the U.S. Agriculture Department said. Additionally, there were export sales of 262,000 tonnes to China received in the reporting period, USDA said.

“With the new ripple in the relationship with China, we wonder if some of these purchases ultimately might be canceled,” said Ted Seifried, chief ag market strategist at Zaner Group.

Wheat added for a second day, as technical selling pulled the market off of its highest level since April 23.

“We were due for a correction,” said Seifried. “We want to go back and test those highs.”

— Christopher Walljasper reports on agriculture and ag commodities for Reuters from Chicago.