Soybeans

Soybeans are the world's most important oilseed, crushed to produce soybean meal (animal feed) and soybean oil (cooking, biodiesel). Brazil has overtaken the US as the largest exporter. GMO vs. non-GMO origin commands significant price differentials in European and Asian markets.

US No.1 YellowUS No.2 YellowBrazilian OriginNon-GMOFOBCIFCFR
Quick Facts

Soybeans at a Glance

Common Origins
BrazilUnited StatesArgentinaParaguayCanada
Common Destinations
ChinaEuropean UnionJapanMexicoThailand
Grades & Specifications
US No.1 YellowUS No.2 YellowBrazilian OriginNon-GMO
INCOTERMS
FOBCIFCFR
Unit of Measure
Metric Tons
Price Drivers

What Moves Soybeans Pricing

Soybean futures trade on CBOT (Chicago Board of Trade) — the global price discovery venue. The crush spread (soybean meal + soybean oil minus soybean) signals processor margins. Brazilian harvest (Feb-May) and US harvest (Sep-Nov) create the seasonal calendar. China imports ~60% of globally traded soybeans for crush into meal (animal feed) and oil. Drought/El Niño in Brazil and Argentina, US Midwest weather, and Chinese hog cycle are the dominant supply-demand variables.

Contract Structure

How Soybeans Cargoes Are Priced and Settled

Standard panamax cargoes are 60,000-65,000 tonnes; supramax 35,000 tonnes. Pricing is CBOT futures plus or minus a basis (FOB Paranaguá basis, CIF Rotterdam basis). Quotational period is contracted around B/L. Payment is letter of credit, with washouts (financial settlement of position) common when market moves favor either party.

Quality & Disputes

Soybeans Specifications and Dispute Practice

GAFTA contracts dominate. Specs cover oil content (18.5% standard), protein, moisture (13% max), foreign matter, and damaged kernels. Brazilian beans typically run higher protein than US. GMO/non-GMO is a contractual rider — non-GMO commands $10-30/tonne premium for European and East Asian food-grade buyers.

Trade Flows

Where Soybeans Comes From and Where It Goes

Top exporters: Brazil (now larger than US), United States, Argentina, Paraguay. Top importers: China (~100 Mt/year), EU, Mexico, Egypt, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam. The US-China trade-war reshuffling of 2018-2020 entrenched Brazilian dominance; Argentine soybean exports are heavily affected by export tax policy and FX controls.

More in Agriculture

Wheat (Milling)

Milling wheat is a high-protein wheat variety used for bread, pasta, and baked goods. Protein content (typically 11-14%) determines suitability for different flour applications. Black Sea wheat has become the world's most competitive export origin, while US Hard Red Winter and Canadian Western Red Spring are premium grades.

Wheat (Feed)

Feed wheat is a lower-protein wheat grade used in animal nutrition, particularly for poultry and livestock rations. It is typically sourced from the Black Sea region and Europe at a discount to milling wheat. Feed wheat competes with corn as an energy source in feed formulations.

Corn/Maize

Corn (maize) is the world's most produced cereal grain, used for animal feed, ethanol production, and food ingredients. US Yellow Corn No.2 is the global benchmark. Brazil has emerged as a major second-crop (safrinha) exporter, competing with US and Argentine supplies.

Soybean Meal

Soybean meal is the dominant protein source in global animal feed formulations, containing 44-48% crude protein. It is produced as a co-product of soybean crushing alongside soybean oil. Argentina is the world's largest exporter, benefiting from its differential export tax structure.

Soybean Oil

Soybean oil is the second most consumed vegetable oil globally, used in cooking, food processing, and increasingly as biodiesel feedstock. Crude degummed soybean oil is the primary traded form, with refining done at destination. US biofuel mandates have significantly boosted domestic demand.

Rice (Long Grain)

Long grain rice is a staple food for billions, characterized by grains three to five times longer than wide. Thailand's Hom Mali, Vietnamese 5% broken, and US long grain are major export grades. Rice is one of the most trade-restricted commodities, with export bans common during supply shocks.

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