Soybean futures remained volatile on Friday, recovering a portion of the previous day’s steep losses. Meanwhile, corn and wheat were mainly lower.
Whipped by the winds of China trade uncertainty, soybean futures were up and down this week. The market fell heavily yesterday amid a lack of confirmation of Chinese purchases but bounced higher today on bargain buying. According to reports, China has reinstated eligibility for three US soybean export firms to ship beans to the country. Chinese customs data showed a total of 9.48 million tonnes of soybeans were imported during October, down from 12.87 million in September. January soybeans gained 9 ½ cents to $11.17, and March was up 8 ¼ cents at $11.25 ¾.
Corn posted modest losses, sagging under the pressure of increased supplies as the American harvest pushes closer to completion. The 2025-26 Argentina corn crop is reported at 36% planted, slightly behind last year’s pace. However, 79% of the emerged crop is rated in good to excellent condition. December lost 1 ½ cents to $4.27 ¼, and March fell a penny to $4.42.
Wheat continued to struggle under the weight of heavy global supplies. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations today estimated 2025-26 world wheat output at 819.2 million tonnes, up from 809.7 million last month and 799 million the previous year. December Chicago was down 7 ¾ cents at $5.27 ¾, and December Kansas City fell 3 cents to $5.19 ¼. December Hard Red Spring lost 3 ¼ cents to $5.12, and December Minneapolis managed a 1-cent advance to $5.58.
