Commodity Compass Newsletter Weeks 06–07, 2026
During the weeks 06 and 07 of 2026, the global commodity markets reflected a combination of some corrections, some selective rebounds as well as the continuation of unpredictable movements in the main segments. The main reason for the price changes during the period was mainly the adjustment of inventories, supply-side pressures in the primary regions, and fluctuations of demand on a short-term basis. Despite the fact that some commodities managed to find a stable position, others mirrored a fresh round of changes, especially metals and energy.
Food and beverage commodities continued to display mixed performances. US beef prices lost momentum as they fell from $422.4/lb in Week 06 to $419.2/lb in Week 07 signaling easing demand. In a similar way, chicken prices in the US slightly increased from $118.3/lb to $118.5/lb. UK cocoa prices dropped severely from GBP 3,035/MT to GBP 2,723/MT. European coconut oil prices went down a little from $2,265/MT to $2,261/MT. However, UK coffee prices dipped from $3,755/MT to $3,742/MT, though they still reflected some level of the market uncertainty.
US maize prices held firm, with only a slight movement from 429.8 to 429.6 cents per bushel. Prices of palm oil in China decreased from $1,302/MT to $1,275/MT, whereas rice prices in the US saw a slight increase from $11.15/CWT to $11.16/CWT. Soybean meal prices were the highest gainer among these commodities, notably rising to $303.7/MT from $297.9/MT. Correspondingly, soybean oil prices were up at 57.1 cents/lb from 54.9 cents/lb. In line with this trend, soybean prices went up to 1,126 cents/bushel from 1,089 cents/bushel. On the other hand, in the international market, sugar prices dropped to 13.97 cents per lb from 14.34. It is worth noting that US wheat prices rebounded from 529. 7 to 539.1 cents per bushel, a figure that may signal improved demand.
The metals and minerals sectors were the ones to show mixed results where some selective segments witnessed price drops. The price of copper declined in the UK from $13,088/MT to $13,076/MT. Conversely, in the UK, the price of aluminum was on the rise from $3,072/MT to $3,109/MT. The price of nickel also increased in the UK from $17,166/MT to $17,446/MT. Contrarily, the price of iron ore reduced in China from $101.63/MT to $100.42/MT. The price of lead increased in China from $1,966/MT to $1,979/MT. The price of tin witnessed an upward trajectory in China from $47,481/MT to $48,711/MT. The price of zinc continued the uptrend in China going from $3,328/MT to $3,382/MT.
Chemical markets maintained a mixed outlook. Prices for ammonia in China fell from $315.9/MT to $307.9/MT. Prices for benzene slightly fell from $891/MT to $881/MT. Caustic soda prices fell from $89.9/MT to $89.7/MT. Ethylene prices remained steady at $672/MT. The prices of methanol have come down from $319.8/MT to $319.5/MT. Prices of propylene have gone up from $925/MT to $929/MT, and prices of soda ash have come down from $173.0/MT to $171.4/MT.
The prices of precious metals were corrected after the previous surge rally. Prices of gold have increased from $4,860/oz to $5,026/oz, showing volatility but remaining elevated. Platinum prices have come down from $2,134/oz to $2,088/oz. On the other hand, prices of silver have almost remained stable as they fell from $80.40/oz to $80.17/oz.
The energy sector maintained a strong and steady rise. The price of coal in Netherlands went up from $100.8/MT to $103.0/MT. European crude oil rose from $67.7/bbl to $68.5/bbl, as a result of restrictive supply outlook. On the other hand, the prices of US natural gas fell from $3.39/MMBtu to $3.15/MMBtu. The price drop is owing to the easing of short-term demand.
Summing up, the weeks 06-07 of 2026 have been marked by the food commodities market remaining volatile, chemicals exhibiting discrepant price movement, metals and precious undergoing their respective corrections, and the rising energy market trends.
