← Soybean Futures overview

Soybean Futures vs Soybean Oil Futures: why the prices moved differently

Weekly · monthly · quarterly news summaries, side by side in time

Soybean Futures (SOYBEAN.COMM)

Q3 2026
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Soybeans swung on weather, China, and record crop

  • Early bullish USDA cuts and strong demand Early in the quarter, the USDA cut its soybean stock estimates, exports were strong, biofuel demand rose, and dry weather hurt crops. These forces pushed soybean futures to two-year highs.

    This explains the initial price surge in the quarter.

  • Mid-quarter reversal on rain and oil drop Midwest rains improved crop conditions and crude oil prices plunged, which reversed the rally. This shows how quickly weather and energy markets can turn soybean prices around.

    This captures the key negative turn after the early highs.

  • Chinese buying and Black Sea fears lift prices Chinese purchases, fears about Black Sea supply disruptions, biofuel policy support, and drought-driven food prices pushed soybean futures to three-year highs, though a larger USDA production estimate capped gains.

    This highlights the second major bullish wave and its cap.

  • Bearish end on tariffs and record crop The quarter ended bearishly as China excluded soybeans from tariff cuts and the USDA forecast a record 4.54-billion-bushel crop, pushing futures down over 2.6%. Ongoing Chinese buying and Black Sea tensions offered some support.

    This explains the final bearish turn and the main counterweight.

September 2026
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China's Tariff Snub and Record US Crop Pull Soybeans Down

  • China Leaves Soybeans Off Tariff-Cut List China cut tariffs on many US farm goods but excluded soybeans, keeping an extra 10% import tax that private buyers say is too costly. This removes a key demand boost and pushed soybean futures down 2.3%.

    This is the main new bearish event that directly hit soybean demand and price.

  • USDA Forecasts Record US Soybean Crop The USDA projected a record 4.54 billion bushel soybean crop with higher yields, adding to global supply. Ample supply pushes prices down, and futures fell over 2.6% on the news.

    This new supply shock is a major reason soybean prices are under pressure.

  • China's Ongoing Soybean Purchases Support Demand China continues buying US soybeans, helping lift the overall farm commodity index 13% last quarter. This steady demand provides a floor under prices even as other factors weigh.

    This is a new positive demand factor that counterbalances the bearish news.

  • Black Sea Tensions and Biofuel Demand Add Uncertainty Fighting in the Black Sea keeps grain shipments disrupted, supporting prices, while hopes for a ceasefire could ease supply. Meanwhile, biofuel demand from high oil prices supports soybean oil use.

    These ongoing geopolitical and energy factors create both upward and downward pressure on soybeans.

Latest
▼2▲1

China's Tariff Snub and Record US Crop Pull Soybeans Down

  • China Leaves Soybeans Off Tariff-Cut List China cut tariffs on many US farm goods but excluded soybeans, keeping an extra 10% import tax that private buyers say is too costly. This removes a key demand boost and pushed soybean futures down 2.3%.

    This is the main new bearish event that directly hit soybean demand and price.

  • USDA Forecasts Record US Soybean Crop The USDA projected a record 4.54 billion bushel soybean crop with higher yields, adding to global supply. Ample supply pushes prices down, and futures fell over 2.6% on the news.

    This new supply shock is a major reason soybean prices are under pressure.

  • China's Ongoing Soybean Purchases Support Demand China continues buying US soybeans, helping lift the overall farm commodity index 13% last quarter. This steady demand provides a floor under prices even as other factors weigh.

    This is a new positive demand factor that counterbalances the bearish news.

  • Black Sea Tensions and Biofuel Demand Add Uncertainty Fighting in the Black Sea keeps grain shipments disrupted, supporting prices, while hopes for a ceasefire could ease supply. Meanwhile, biofuel demand from high oil prices supports soybean oil use.

    These ongoing geopolitical and energy factors create both upward and downward pressure on soybeans.

August 2026
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Soybeans hit 3-year high on demand, biofuel, Black Sea fears

  • Chinese demand and Black Sea supply fears Chinese purchases reached nearly half the annual target, showing strong demand. Meanwhile, fears about Black Sea supply disruptions added upward pressure. Together, these factors helped push soybean futures to a three-year high.

    This point explains the key demand and supply fears that drove prices higher.

  • Crude oil surge and biofuel policy support A surge in crude oil made soy-based biodiesel more competitive, boosting demand for soybean oil. Additionally, US biofuel policy reallocated demand to 2026–2027, providing further support to soybean prices.

    This point highlights the energy market and policy factors that lifted soybean demand.

  • Drought worries lift global food prices Drought concerns pushed global food prices to a three-year high, reflecting tight supplies and raising the appeal of soybeans as a key food and feed commodity. This supported soybean futures prices.

    This point shows how broader food inflation and supply worries contributed to soybean price gains.

  • USDA raises US production estimate The USDA increased its estimate for US soybean production by 44 million bushels, indicating larger supplies. This capped gains in soybean futures, limiting the upside from strong demand and biofuel factors.

    This point provides the main bearish counterweight that prevented even larger price increases.

▲3▼1

China's Record Soybean Buying and Biofuel Boost Drive Prices to 3-Year High

  • China's Accelerated Soybean Purchases China bought about 1 million tonnes of US soybeans this week, bringing total purchases to nearly half of the 25 million tonne annual target. This strong demand from the world's biggest buyer pushes soybean prices up.

    This is the main new demand driver this period, directly lifting soybean prices to a three-year high.

  • US Biofuel Policy Supports Soybean Demand The EPA granted waivers to small refineries but reallocated the lost biofuel demand to 2026 and 2027, boosting prospects for soybean oil used in renewable diesel. This regulatory support lifts soybean prices.

    This new policy change directly increases demand for soybeans as a biofuel feedstock, a key bullish factor.

  • Black Sea Peace Talks Could Ease Supply Fears Russia signaled openness to peace talks with Ukraine, potentially normalizing Black Sea grain exports. If realized, this would add to global grain supply and pressure soybean prices down.

    This is a new geopolitical development that could reverse the supply-driven price support from the Black Sea conflict.

  • Crude Oil Surge Boosts Biofuel Demand Crude oil prices jumped 4%, with Brent touching $105 a barrel, after tanker attacks. Higher oil prices make biofuels more competitive, increasing demand for soybean oil and supporting soybean prices.

    This new energy market development adds to soybean demand through the biofuel channel, reinforcing the bullish trend.

▲3▼1

Soybeans Supported by Strong Chinese Demand and Black Sea Supply Fears, but USDA Hikes US Crop Outlook

  • China ramps up US soybean purchases China booked at least 13 more cargoes of US soybeans, bringing new-crop orders to about 5 million tonnes. That shows strong demand from the world's biggest buyer, which supports soybean prices.

    This is a new demand event that directly lifts soybean prices.

  • Black Sea tensions threaten grain exports Fighting between Russia and Ukraine has disrupted Black Sea grain shipments, and Ukraine cut its export target by up to 12%. That raises concerns about global grain supplies, pushing soybean prices higher as buyers seek alternatives.

    This is a new supply-side risk that supports soybean prices.

  • Global food prices hit three-year high on drought worries World food prices rose to their highest in over three years, driven by cereals and vegetable oils. Drought in key US growing areas is stressing the soybean crop, which could tighten supplies and push prices up.

    This new report highlights supply risks that support soybean prices.

  • USDA raises US soybean production estimate The USDA now expects a bigger US soybean crop, with production up 44 million bushels from July. That means more supply ahead, which weighs on soybean prices and limits gains from strong demand.

    This is a new supply increase that pressures soybean prices.

July 2026
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Soybeans hit 2-year high then reversed on rain and oil drop

  • Bullish fundamentals lift soybeans to 2-year high USDA cut old-crop stocks by 10 million bushels, export sales ran nearly triple last year's pace, crude oil strength boosted biofuel demand, and dry Corn Belt weather threatened yields, pushing futures to two-year highs.

    Explains the initial surge that defined the first part of the month.

  • Midwest rain and crude oil plunge reverse rally Forecast rain improved crop prospects, pushing November beans from $12.53 to $11.93, while crude oil's $6–7 plunge made soy-based biodiesel less competitive and dragged soy oil lower.

    Captures the sharp late-July reversal driven by weather and energy markets.

  • Solid demand partly offsets bearish factors A large Chinese purchase under a 25-million-ton agreement and Bunge's upbeat profit outlook signaled solid demand, though these positives were outweighed by weather and energy-market pressure.

    Shows the counterweight that limited the downside despite the selloff.

▼2▲1

Soybeans Fall as Rain Hits Dry US Crop and Oil Slumps

  • Rain forecast eases crop stress Forecasts for 1–2 inches of rain across the Midwest and favorable growing conditions pushed soybean futures down sharply, with November beans falling from $12.53 to $11.93. More rain means better crop prospects and larger expected supplies, which lowers prices.

    This is the main new force this period, directly driving the price drop.

  • Crude oil plunge drags soy oil lower Crude oil fell over $6–7 per barrel, making biodiesel from soybean oil less competitive. That weakens demand for soy oil and pulls soybean prices down, since soy oil is a key product made from soybeans.

    Oil's drop is a new negative demand-side driver this period.

  • China purchase hopes and strong processor results News of a large Chinese soybean purchase and Bunge's upbeat profit outlook signal solid demand. China's buying under a 25 million ton agreement and strong processing margins support prices, though these positives were outweighed by weather and oil pressure.

    This is a new positive counterweight that helps explain why the decline wasn't even larger.

▲4

Soybeans Hit Two-Year Highs on Tight US Stocks, Strong Exports, Biofuel Demand

  • USDA cuts old-crop stocks, exports jump The USDA's July report cut 2025/26 US soybean ending stocks by 10 million bushels to 330 million, as exports rose by the same amount. That means supplies are tighter than expected, which pushes soybean prices up.

    This is a key new fundamental shift tightening US soybean supplies.

  • Record forward export sales signal strong demand USDA reported forward sales for the 2026/27 marketing year at 1.537 million metric tons, nearly triple last year's pace, with China and unknown buyers active. Strong demand for future delivery supports higher prices now.

    This new data shows robust demand that is driving prices higher.

  • Crude oil surge boosts biofuel demand for soy oil Crude oil prices jumped on Middle East tensions, making biodiesel made from soybean oil more competitive. That links soybean prices to energy markets and adds a new source of demand, pushing prices up.

    This new link to energy markets is a fresh driver of soybean demand.

  • Dry weather threatens US soybean yields Dry conditions in parts of the western Corn Belt and forecasts for continued dryness are stressing the soybean crop. Lower expected yields mean tighter supplies, which supports higher prices.

    Weather is a new supply risk that is pushing prices up.

Soybean Oil Futures (SOYOIL.COMM)

Q3 2026
▲2▼2

Soy oil swings on crush, exports, weather, crude

  • June crush beats expectations, soy oil stocks drop NOPA reported a record-large June soybean crush of 214.34 million bushels, well above trade estimates. Soy oil stocks fell to 1.5 billion pounds, below expectations and down 13.5% from May. Tighter oil supplies support higher soy oil prices.

    This is the clearest new supply-side force tightening soy oil availability and lifting prices.

  • Strong soybean export demand lifts the whole complex USDA reported private soybean sales to China and unknown buyers, and forward 2026/27 bookings hit 1.537 million metric tons, nearly triple last year. Rabobank cut Brazil's crop estimate. Strong bean demand pulls soy oil up with it.

    Export demand is a major new demand-side driver pulling soy oil higher alongside soybeans.

  • Weather and crude oil slump trigger sharp selloff Soybeans and soy oil tumbled as US crop conditions stayed mostly good and crude oil plunged over $7, making soy oil-based biodiesel less competitive. Speculative funds had built a large bullish position, amplifying the drop.

    This is the main new counterweight, showing weather and energy markets can quickly reverse soy oil gains.

  • China to auction imported soybeans, adding supply China's state-owned Sinograin will auction 504,000 metric tons of imported soybeans on Friday. This could ease Chinese demand for fresh US soybeans and soy oil, weighing on prices.

    A new potential demand headwind from China, the top soybean buyer, that could pressure soy oil.

July 2026
▲2▼2

Soy oil swings on crush, exports, weather, crude

  • June crush beats expectations, soy oil stocks drop NOPA reported a record-large June soybean crush of 214.34 million bushels, well above trade estimates. Soy oil stocks fell to 1.5 billion pounds, below expectations and down 13.5% from May. Tighter oil supplies support higher soy oil prices.

    This is the clearest new supply-side force tightening soy oil availability and lifting prices.

  • Strong soybean export demand lifts the whole complex USDA reported private soybean sales to China and unknown buyers, and forward 2026/27 bookings hit 1.537 million metric tons, nearly triple last year. Rabobank cut Brazil's crop estimate. Strong bean demand pulls soy oil up with it.

    Export demand is a major new demand-side driver pulling soy oil higher alongside soybeans.

  • Weather and crude oil slump trigger sharp selloff Soybeans and soy oil tumbled as US crop conditions stayed mostly good and crude oil plunged over $7, making soy oil-based biodiesel less competitive. Speculative funds had built a large bullish position, amplifying the drop.

    This is the main new counterweight, showing weather and energy markets can quickly reverse soy oil gains.

  • China to auction imported soybeans, adding supply China's state-owned Sinograin will auction 504,000 metric tons of imported soybeans on Friday. This could ease Chinese demand for fresh US soybeans and soy oil, weighing on prices.

    A new potential demand headwind from China, the top soybean buyer, that could pressure soy oil.

Latest
▲2▼2

Soy oil swings on crush, exports, weather, crude

  • June crush beats expectations, soy oil stocks drop NOPA reported a record-large June soybean crush of 214.34 million bushels, well above trade estimates. Soy oil stocks fell to 1.5 billion pounds, below expectations and down 13.5% from May. Tighter oil supplies support higher soy oil prices.

    This is the clearest new supply-side force tightening soy oil availability and lifting prices.

  • Strong soybean export demand lifts the whole complex USDA reported private soybean sales to China and unknown buyers, and forward 2026/27 bookings hit 1.537 million metric tons, nearly triple last year. Rabobank cut Brazil's crop estimate. Strong bean demand pulls soy oil up with it.

    Export demand is a major new demand-side driver pulling soy oil higher alongside soybeans.

  • Weather and crude oil slump trigger sharp selloff Soybeans and soy oil tumbled as US crop conditions stayed mostly good and crude oil plunged over $7, making soy oil-based biodiesel less competitive. Speculative funds had built a large bullish position, amplifying the drop.

    This is the main new counterweight, showing weather and energy markets can quickly reverse soy oil gains.

  • China to auction imported soybeans, adding supply China's state-owned Sinograin will auction 504,000 metric tons of imported soybeans on Friday. This could ease Chinese demand for fresh US soybeans and soy oil, weighing on prices.

    A new potential demand headwind from China, the top soybean buyer, that could pressure soy oil.

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