Final decision on open consultation on methodology review for soybean CFR China (US Gulf)

Fastmarkets invited feedback from the industry on the pricing methodology for AG-SYB-0005 soybean CFR China (US Gulf) and AG-SYB-0006 Soybean CFR China (US Gulf) Premium via an open consultation process between June 5 and July 3, 2025.

This consultation was done as an adhoc methodology review process, aiming to better reflect the physical market under indexation, considering its reduced liquidity linked to the combination of seasonal demand patterns and the implementation of cross-border import tariffs between the US and China.

No feedback was received during the consultation period and therefore Fastmarkets will implement the changes proposed, assessing AG-SYB-0005 Soybean CFR China (US Gulf) and AG-SYB-0006 Soybean CFR China (US Gulf) Premium based on its assessments for AG-SYB-0020 Soybean FOB US Gulf and AG-SYB-0021 Soybean FOB US Gulf Premium, freight costs for the US Gulf-China route and current effective Chinese tariffs on US soybean imports.

Material changes to Fastmarkets’ methodology linked to this open consultation will be effective from July 17.

This consultation sought to ensure that our methodologies continue to reflect the physical market under indexation, in compliance with the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) principles for Price Reporting Agencies (PRAs). This includes all elements of our pricing process, our price specifications and publication frequency.

You can find the current methodology for global soybeans here https://www.fastmarkets.com/methodology.

To see all Fastmarkets pricing methodology and specification documents, go to https://www.fastmarkets.com/methodology.

What to read next
Fastmarkets has published a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to accompany its proposal to reset gross/effective list price indices and assessments in Europe and North America.
The China Zinc Smelter Purchase Team (CZSPT) set its buying guidance for imported zinc concentrate treatment charges (TCs) at $35-70 per tonne for the second quarter of 2026 during a meeting held in Chengdu, China.
The launch follows a one-month consultation period which ended on April 6. The two prices will broaden coverage of the world’s largest graphite flake market, complementing existing Fastmarkets’ graphite flake offerings. The new Chinese domestic prices will provide market participants with additional reference points, capturing unique dynamics of Chinese graphite market, particularly in the wake of graphite export controls […]
The publication of Fastmarkets’ European steel beams and sections assessments for Wednesday April 15 was delayed due to a reporter error. Fastmarkets’ pricing database has been updated.
Fastmarkets has launched a suite broker/processor and ex-works prices to service the domestic and export Mexican stainless steel scrap markets respectively.
Fastmarkets has decided to make changes and clarifications to its methodologies for nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) black mass price assessments, including name changes, to bring them into closer alignment with current spot market specifications.