Agricultural commodity markets firmed in August, supported by weather concerns, strong import demand and disruptions to logistics. Wheat and maize prices posted gains, as markets reacted to reduced export flows from the Russian Federation and Ukraine, uncertainty over US maize yields and the effective suspension of some Black Sea shipments. Rice prices also moved higher, underpinned by tight pre-harvest availabilities and firm demand in selected origins, while El Niño remained a risk factor to watch for its potential impact on crop prospects in parts of Asia. Soybean prices advanced on renewed Chinese buying, steady crush demand and tight farmer selling in Brazil. Overall, futures activity turned notably more bullish across key crops, although volatility remained below levels associated with acute market stress.