International prices of wheat, maize and soybeans firmed in recent weeks as supply prospects for 2019/20 dampened somewhat. The increase was particularly pronounced for maize where markets received strong support from reduced opening stocks in the US. Wheat prices rose following a downgrading of production prospects in a number of major exporting countries. Soybean prices also firmed significantly, mostly due to a provisional resumption of Chinese purchases of US cargoes that added upward pressure. By contrast, harvest pressure, slow demand and prospects of world supplies remaining ample kept rice prices in check.