US Soybean Market Shows Positive Momentum Amid Trade Discussions

Soybeans are experiencing midday strength on Thursday, with prices rising between 3 to 7 cents. Nearby contracts are spearheading this upward movement. CmdtyView reports a national front-month cash bean price increase of 7 3/4 cents, reaching $9.98 ¼. Despite this, soymeal futures are down $2.70 per ton, while soy oil futures saw an increase of 116 points in today’s trading session.

Japan Explores Increased US Soybean Imports

In trade negotiations, Japan is contemplating an increase in US soybean purchases to compensate for some demand previously met by China. Historically, Japan imports 3 to 3.5 million metric tons (MMT) of soybeans annually. Out of this total, US shipments typically range from 2.1 to 2.6 MMT.

Latest Export Sales Report Highlights Soybean Activity

This morning’s Export Sales report revealed that old crop soybean sales for the week ending April 17 reached 277,012 metric tons (MT). This figure is on the lower end of the expected range of 200,000 to 600,000 MT and represents a 50.1% decline from the prior week. However, it marks a 31.3% increase compared to sales during the same week last year. Mexico emerged as the largest buyer, purchasing 87,800 MT, followed by the Netherlands at 65,800 MT. For the 2025/26 marketing year, there was a net reduction of just 120 MT in sales.

Meal sales for the week totaled 176,178 MT, aligning closer to the lower end of expected volumes between 150,000 to 400,000 MT. Bean oil bookings amounted to 12,380 MT, exceeding the estimate of 5,000 to 35,000 MT.

Current Soybean Pricing

May 25 Soybeans are now priced at $10.47 1/2, reflecting an increase of 7 1/4 cents. Nearby cash prices are at $9.98 1/4, up 7 3/4 cents.

Jul 25 Soybeans are valued at $10.57, showing an increase of 6 3/4 cents.

Nov 25 Soybeans are priced at $10.31, with an uptick of 3 1/2 cents.

New Crop Cash stands at $9.69 1/2, gaining 3 1/4 cents.

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have any positions in the securities mentioned herein, either directly or indirectly. All information and data in this article are intended solely for informational purposes. For further details, please refer to the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.

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