Chicago Grain Futures Rise Amid US-China Talks and Importer Activity

Grain futures in Chicago rose on Monday, September 21, as markets reacted to expectations ahead of the US-China leaders' meeting. December wheat gained 1.75% to $267.03 per ton, while corn rose 2.94% to $213.78 per ton. November soybeans also increased by 1.88% to $487.95 per ton.

The price increase in wheat was partly due to continued risks to Black Sea supplies and importer activity. Pakistan bought 365 thousand tons of wheat and announced a new tender for 185 thousand tons. This support from importers, combined with expectations ahead of the US-China meeting, helped drive up prices.

Corn posted the strongest gain among main contracts as markets anticipated a possible recovery in Chinese demand. The US corn export inspections reached 1.94 million tons for the week, while shipments since the start of 2026/27 MY totaled 4.14 million tons, up 15.9% year on year.

European grain markets also ended the day higher, with December wheat rising 0.92% to €243.75 per ton and November corn gaining 1.79% to €268.75 per ton on MATIF.