Commodity Compass Newsletter Weeks 08–09, 2026
Global commodity prices for Weeks 08 and 09 in 2026 consisted of selective recovery, correction in specific markets, and strong performance in the metal and energy markets. Demand changes, stockpile levels, and changing supply dynamics in major producing countries played a dominant role in price movements during the period under analysis.
The commodity prices of foods and beverages exhibited an extent of divergence. For example, the price of beef in the US was up from $416.1/lb to $425.0/lb, indicating an increase in the demand for this commodity. Chicken prices in the US were recorded at slightly high levels, that is, $118.7/lb during Week 08 in comparison to Week 09, which were $118.8/lb. Prices in the UK cocoa market showed significant surge to reach GBP 2,323/MT compared to the previous week where prices were at GBP 2,129/MT. European coconut oil prices improved slightly to $2,219/MT from $2,218/MT. UK coffee prices saw a bit of movement, slipping from $3,662/MT to $3,633/MT.
On the other hand, US maize prices rose from 435.9 to 442.2 cents per bushel, whereas China palm oil prices surged from $1,255/MT to $1,261/MT. In addition, US rice prices were down to $10.02/CWT from $10.34/CWT. Soybean meal prices showed improvement as they rose from $306.1/MT to $313.5/MT. Furthermore, the prices of soybean oil rose from 58.7 cents to 60.9 cents per lb. Soybeans prices rose from 1,137 cents to 1,145 cents per bushel. Prices of global sugar increased to 14.46 cents per lb from 13.70 cents per lb. Moreover, prices of US wheat increased from 558.2 cents to 577.7 cents per bushel.
On the other hand, prices of metals and minerals also continued to show a positive trend. Copper prices in the UK were seen rising from $12,822/MT to $13,238/MT. The price of aluminum was seen rising from $3,069/MT to $3,137/MT. Similarly, nickel prices were seen rising from $17,164/MT to $17,802/MT. On the other hand, there was a drop in the price of iron ores in China from $99.61/MT to $99.12/MT. There was a increase in price of lead from $1,959/MT to $1,975/MT, while the prices of tin in the UK surged from $45,542/MT to $51,511/MT. Zinc prices increased from $3,334/MT to $3,389/MT.
With regard to chemicals, prices showed a stable trend with slight upward bias. Prices of ammonia in China were seen rising from $308.6/MT to $310.8/MT. Meanwhile, the price of benzene was seen rising from $884/MT to $892/MT, while the price of caustic soda rose from $89.8/MT to $92.1/MT. In case of ethylene, its prices showed an increase to $685/MT from $680/MT.
The performances of precious metals saw both upward and downward trends. Gold prices appreciated from $5,020/oz to $5,186/oz. The value of platinum increased from $2,096/oz to $2,254/oz. Silver saw its prices appreciated from $79.56/oz to $89.20/oz.
For the energy section, there were signs of strength during this period. The price of Netherlands coal remained constant at $106.6/MT. The value of European crude oil was appreciated to $71.1/bbl from $69.7/bbl owing to expected shortages. There was a decline in the price of US natural gas from $3.00/MMBtu to $2.92/MMBtu as a result of low demand.
The overall price performances during Weeks 08-09 of 2026 indicate that food commodities saw a combination of trends, while metals and energy showed signs of strength. In addition, there was balance in chemical prices and partial recovery of precious metals.
