With seven months of trade now in the books, we review our list of 48 commodities and their performance since New Year’s. Precious metals, far and away, are leading the list, marking a strong 2025 performance so far. Traders and analysts alike are watching trends closely as metals soar, livestock rises, and trade tensions weigh on grains.
Top Commodity Performers in 2025
In terms of year-to-date gains, platinum is up a staggering 51%, followed by copper at 36.5%, silver at 27%, and gold at 22%. Now beating gold and in the top 10 since New Year’s: live cattle, which comes in at number six with a 26% gain. Feeder cattle is close behind at number seven, rising 25%.
One surprise standout? Oats, just outside the top 10 at number 12, are up 14% for the year. As many longtime traders say, “watch oats.” They can foretell the direction of other grains longer term, potentially signaling hope for other underperforming grain markets.
Biggest Losers in the Commodity Market
“This is the Bottom Line report.” And at the very bottom of our list of 48, orange juice is down a whopping 35% since New Year’s. That’s a steep decline after it held the number one or two position for most of last year, making this downturn especially significant.
Tariffs and Trade Uncertainty Impact Grain Markets
“And with another quick note, here’s Dale Sandlin.” In a recent story from the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, ongoing trade tariff uncertainty continues to weigh heavily on U.S. grain prices. Soybeans have been hit hardest, followed by wheat and corn. Dale notes: “Either to look at getting more negotiations done on trade deals, or look at other routes to meet their needs.”
Tariff Updates and Trade Implications
President Trump recently signed an executive order updating reciprocal tariffs for several countries. These go into effect August 7th, with immediate increases for countries like Canada, now facing a 35% tariff. Products included in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement remain exempt.
Don Roose of U.S. Commodities explains that major partners like Mexico have a 90-day extension before tariffs kick in. However, Roose warns, “if trade discussions between the U.S. and China continue to drag out, it’ll be negative for the U.S. farmer because of the potential lost demand from China.”
Stay Informed. Trade Smart.
Audio Reporting by Mark Oppold and Dale Sandlin on the Southeast AgNet.