Soybean futures extend losses on falling soyoil, crude prices

Soybean futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange fell for the second consecutive session on Wednesday April 30, pressured by selling in the soyoil market and plummeting crude prices

The most-active July soybean futures contract fell by 11 cents per bushel, or 1.07%, on the day to $10.41 per bu by 1pm US Eastern time.

Soyoil futures also extended losses amid a sharp decline in crude prices, contributing to pull the bean market lower.

The US dollar appreciated for the second consecutive session, adding to the bearish atmosphere in the soybean market.

Soybean futures economic and trade influences

Poor economic indicators, including a 0.3% decline in US first-quarter GDP, and higher production figures in the North American country weighed on crude prices.

The crude market faced further headwinds from an increased perception that Saudi Arabia could accept lower prices for longer, but daily price losses were somewhat capped by a drawdown in US crude inventories.

Uncertainties around any US-China trade agreement also continued to linger as the market prepared for a long weekend as many regions, including China and South America, head to the Labor Day holiday.

Offsetting factors and global wheat and corn performance

Soybean losses were capped by stronger grains prices, with wheat and corn prices up by 1.38% and 3.26% on the day, respectively.

Brazilian and Argentinian export markets

At origin, the Brazilian FOB Paranaguá paper market basis for June loading was lower by 2 cents per bu to 60 cents per bu over the July CME futures contract.

The June-loading FOB Santos premium was down by 2 cents per bu, assessed at 70 cents per bu over the July CME futures.

The Brazilian FOB July premium in the Paranaguá paper market hub decreased by 4 cents per bu to 79 cents per bu over the CME July futures contract.

In the Santos hub, the July-loading basis was lower by 4 cents per bu at 87 cents per bu over the July futures contract.

The June-loading FOB premium in Argentina was assessed unchanged at 13 cents per bu over May CME futures.

The June-loading FOB premiums in the US Gulf and in the Pacific Northwest hub were unchanged at 73 and 102 cents per bu respectively, both over July futures contract.

Soybean futures in China

In China, the world’s main destination market, Dalian Commodity Exchange soyoil futures rose, while soymeal contracts fell.

The most-liquid September soyoil contract increased by 0.67% to close at 7,832 yuan ($1,077) per tonne, while the corresponding soymeal contract fell by 1.48% to 2,920 yuan per tonne.

Daily cash soymeal sales amounted to 28,700 tonnes. Cash sales have been lackluster since the end of the previous week.

Sinograin was heard to have snapped more Argentine cargoes, with at least five reportedly purchased since the beginning of the week.

Cargoes were also bought out of Brazil, with volumes for July loading reported at 160 cents per bu over July CME futures and at least one cargo for loading in February 2026 changing hands at 125-127 cents per bu over March CME futures.

The June soybean CFR China (Brazil) premium was assessed at 143 cents per bu over July CME futures, 1 cent per bu lower from the previous assessment and equivalent to an outright price of $436.5 per tonne.

The agricultural landscape is transforming before our eyes. Want to stay up to date with the latest insights? Discover Fastmarkets’ agriculture news and market analysis.

What to read next
Crude palm oil (CPO) and soyoil futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) extended gains on Thursday March 12, as it continued to track strength in related vegoils and energy markets. The highs in CPO reached earlier in the day eased off by the day’s close.
The publication of Fastmarkets’ AG-PLM-0019 Refined bleached deodorised (RBD) palm olein assessment for March 16 was delayed due to a reporter error. Fastmarkets’ pricing database has been updated.
Soybean oil prices rose to 67.3 cents, driven by Middle East disruptions and strong biofuel margins. Fastmarkets predicts continued price strength amid geopolitical risks.
US animal fats and oils markets have moved higher in recent weeks alongside gains in soybean oil futures and diesel values, with improving renewable diesel and biodiesel economics driving stronger demand for feedstocks.
The war between Israel, the United States and Iran is already affecting the flow of agricultural commodities from South America to Iran, particularly feed, with some soymeal cargoes said to have been washed out, market sources told Fastmarkets in the week to Thursday March 5.
Feedstock markets extended gains on Thursday February 26 as compliance optimism and stronger energy fundamentals continued to fuel buying interest.