Demand prices for corn in Ukraine continue to grow

Active demand from Turkey and reduced offers from producers continue to increase corn prices in Ukraine. The growth of stock market quotes also supports the general dynamics of price increases for old and new crops.

 

During the week, export prices for corn in Ukraine increased by another 150-200 UAH/t to 11,000-11,200 UAH/t or $22-225/t with delivery to Black Sea ports, but farmers continue to hold back sales in anticipation of further price increases.

 

In April 2026, Ukraine increased corn exports compared to March by 8% from 2.503 to 2.688 million tons, and in total in the 2025/26 MY exported 15.91 million tons (18.5 million tons last year) out of the USDA forecast of 22 million tons.

 

"April exports were one of the largest in the current season and confirmed that Ukraine maintains an active presence in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern demand even against the backdrop of high competition from South America," Spike brokers experts report.

 

Almost 38% of the corn exported in April, or 1.017 million tons, was purchased by Turkey, Italy — 353 thousand tons, Spain — 284 thousand tons, Tunisia — 159 thousand tons, Israel — 155 thousand tons, Libya — 151 thousand tons, the Netherlands — 129 thousand tons, and South Korea — 102 thousand tons.

 

Warming in Ukraine has intensified corn sowing, which has reduced sales activity by farmers, especially against the backdrop of a gradual increase in prices.

 

Processors also raised corn prices to UAH 10,100-10,400/t delivered to the factory, which increases competition with exporters.

 

Corn stocks in Ukraine as of April 1 amounted to 8.8 million tons, which exceeded the corresponding figure for 2025 by 46.6%, so another 6-7 million tons of grain can be exported by the end of the season.

 

The war against Iran is dragging on, so analysts expect high oil prices for another 3-4 months, which has already led to a sharp increase in fuel and nitrogen fertilizer prices and continues to put pressure on prices for biofuels and biofuel feedstocks, in particular corn and oilseeds.

 

According to NASS Crop Progress, as of May 3, 38% of the planned area has been sown with corn in the US, which is 4% higher than the 5-year average, and the precipitation forecast in the "corn belt" will help accelerate sowing and crop development.

 

During the week, July corn futures in Chicago rose by 3.6% to $190.94/t (+4.7% month-on-month), and December futures rose by 3% to $198.4/t (+4.6% month-on-month), supported by increased exports.

 

According to export inspections, during April 24-30, corn exports from the United States increased by 22.4% compared to the previous week to 2.03 million tons, and in total in the 2025/26 MY reached 55.5 million tons out of the USDA's forecast of 83.8 million tons, which is 30.5% ahead of last year's pace.

 

StoneX raised its forecast for Brazil's corn crop by 1.3 million tons to 137 million tons, 5 million tons higher than the USDA forecast, amid increased acreage and good post-sowing rainfall.