EU strongly raises 2018 maize crop estimate, cuts wheat

PARIS: The European Commission raised its estimate of 2018/19 usable maize (corn) production in the European Union to 67.5 million tonnes (mln t) from 62.9 mln t previously.

In supply-and-demand data released on its website the Commission cut its estimate of 2018 common wheat (soft wheat) production to 128.5 mln t from 129.2 mln t previously.

It left unchanged its forecast of EU common wheat exports this season at 20.0 mln t, while maize imports were still expected at 18.5 mln t.

Estimated EU barley production for 2018 was revised slightly lower to 55.7 mln t from 55.9 mln t seen previously.

EU rapeseed production in 2018/19 was kept at 19.8 mln t.

The Commission does not give reasons for its changes in estimates.