Demand for Ukrainian corn at ports remains low - GrainTrade

MOSCOW. Feb 22 (Interfax) - Demand for Ukrainian corn for delivery to ports remains weak amid the absence of available space at terminals due to delays with vessel calls at Greater Odessa ports and uncertainty over the future of the "grain corridor," which expires on March 19, Ukrainian media reported, citing experts from Ukrainian grain exchange GrainTrade.

The main exporters have reduced corn purchases, so purchase prices at Black Sea ports fell to $200-$202 from $205-$206 per tonne in a week, GrainTrade reported on its website.

European buyers, meanwhile, are offering prices in the range of $205-$215/tonne on DAP terms (seller carries cost and risk of delivery) to the border with Poland and $205-$225 to the borders with Hungary and Slovakia.

The exchange said Polish farmers, despite an announced government support program, are continuing to protest against Ukrainian grain exports, which are reducing prices for their product. This is increasing truck queues at the border and slowing shipments from Ukraine.

The Izov-Hrubieszow (Poland) and Chop-Cierna nad Tisou crossings remain congested, although queues at western border crossings have decreased to 14,940 cars and the average wait time has dropped to 7-6 days, the exchange said, citing Ukrainian Railways information about grain shipments.

The exchange also said that 6% of Ukraine's corn crop remains unshelled and its quality will probably be unsatisfactory after January's warm weather.