Maize Seaborne Trade
Maize Seaborne Trade
Chatzimichail Dimitrios, MBA in Shipping 2013 -14
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
2
3
4
5
Introduction
1.1 Physical Properties
1.2 Parameters Affecting Commodity Trade
Maize supply and demand of commodity
2.1 Major Players
2.2 Commodity Price Fluctuations
International Seaborne Trade
3.1 Shipping Services Supply & Demand - Freight Rates
3.2 Maize Seaborne Transport Particularities
Thoughts about the Future
Bibliography
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11
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1
Abstract
Maize is one of the most important grains cultivated worldwide mainly for human feed and animal food. Commodity supply heavily depends on weather conditions, prices and also regulatory mandates with regard s to ethanol production, but demand is affected by income, price and changes in population life standards and dietary habits. Both supply and demand of the commodity, are expected to rise in the future. By nature seasonal, and irregular in volume and route, necessitates a seasonal seaborne trade, accommodated through bulkers, mainly
Handymax and Panamax vessels. Freight rates are fluctuating in accordance with bulk grain indexes, until recently at very low levels compared to the historical average, due to the oversupply in bulk carriers fleet. However recently rising freight rates provide a fair degree of optimism with regard to the increasing demand for bulk carriers. All in all, maize trade will be steadily growing in the years to come, based mainly in increased demand from developing countries and new players in the supply side.
2
1. Introduction
1.1 Physical Properties
Maize is one of the oldest human-domesticated plants, providing the 3rd largest planted crop after wheat and rice. It is a crop that displays more than sufficient geographic adaptability, both in the north and southern hemisphere. Harvesting periods span from September to November in northern hemisphere and from April to May in Southern Hemisphere, thus
Chatzimichail Dimitrios, MBA in Shipping 2013 -14
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
2
3
4
5
Introduction
1.1 Physical Properties
1.2 Parameters Affecting Commodity Trade
Maize supply and demand of commodity
2.1 Major Players
2.2 Commodity Price Fluctuations
International Seaborne Trade
3.1 Shipping Services Supply & Demand - Freight Rates
3.2 Maize Seaborne Transport Particularities
Thoughts about the Future
Bibliography
PAGE
3
3
3
4
7
8
9
9
11
12
13
1
Abstract
Maize is one of the most important grains cultivated worldwide mainly for human feed and animal food. Commodity supply heavily depends on weather conditions, prices and also regulatory mandates with regard s to ethanol production, but demand is affected by income, price and changes in population life standards and dietary habits. Both supply and demand of the commodity, are expected to rise in the future. By nature seasonal, and irregular in volume and route, necessitates a seasonal seaborne trade, accommodated through bulkers, mainly
Handymax and Panamax vessels. Freight rates are fluctuating in accordance with bulk grain indexes, until recently at very low levels compared to the historical average, due to the oversupply in bulk carriers fleet. However recently rising freight rates provide a fair degree of optimism with regard to the increasing demand for bulk carriers. All in all, maize trade will be steadily growing in the years to come, based mainly in increased demand from developing countries and new players in the supply side.
2
1. Introduction
1.1 Physical Properties
Maize is one of the oldest human-domesticated plants, providing the 3rd largest planted crop after wheat and rice. It is a crop that displays more than sufficient geographic adaptability, both in the north and southern hemisphere. Harvesting periods span from September to November in northern hemisphere and from April to May in Southern Hemisphere, thus
Bibliography: Abdolreza A., 2006, Maize International Market Profile, Background paper for the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates, USDA, WASDE-522, Sept 12, 2013, Available at: < http://usda01.library.cornell.edu/usda/current/wasde/wasde-09-122013.pdf>