Grain futures prices have generally gained in the past week. It seems that the biggest gain came in Europe, with December MATIF closing at €188.25 /t last Friday, up from €181.75 a week earlier. These price levels have not been seen at this point in the season for a number of years.

The price rises were helped by the ongoing concern over global grain supply, as a number of global market observers reduced their forecasts. Alongside this are the growing tensions relating to the US/China trade tariffs, but these might either hold or help prices in the coming days, depending on what other news comes about relating either to sanctions or to crop conditions.

The movements in global maize prices also look set to trigger import tariffs into the EU and this could have an impact on imported maize prices in particular.

The general lack of buying or selling continues to make it difficult to have real prices.

Nominal prices suggest €195 to €198/t for spot wheat, with €188 to €190/t for barley. November prices are also stronger, with €192 and up to €197/t having been offered for wheat and €192 to €195/t for barley.

Delivered prices in the UK followed the upward price trends, with east Anglia up £7 at £165/t and Yorkshire up £5.50 at £174.50/t. Rape to Erith is also up £4.50 to £323.50/t.

Ex-farm wheat finished up last week at £158.40/t and barley finished the week at £133.50/t, according to AHDB figures.