French agricultural markets saw sharp price swings in oilseeds and by-products in late October 2026, driven by geopolitical tensions and export dynamics.
Rapeseed Prices Rise Sharply
Rapeseed prices on Euronext have sharply increased, gaining 12.75 €/t to 553 €/t on the February 2027 futures contract, following the rise in Canadian canola prices and the escalation of the conflict between Washington and Tehran. The euro has depreciated against the dollar, reinforcing the price increase of rapeseed on the European futures market.French Physical Market Reflects Increase
On the French physical market, rapeseed prices have increased between 8 and 13 €/t depending on the locations and periods, with the FOB Moselle reference location reaching 554 €/t on the January-March 2027 period. This reflects the broader trend in European markets influenced by geopolitical tensions and currency fluctuations.Sunflower Prices Decline
In contrast, sunflower prices on the French physical market have decreased by 2.50 €/t to 20 €/t across all locations and periods. The price of oleic sunflower in Saint-Nazaire delivery has lost 2.50 €/t to 617.50 €/t on the January-March 2027 period. Ukrainian exports of sunflower oil have impacted prices both for the oil and the seed.French Sunflower Production Drops
French sunflower production is estimated between 1 Mt and 1.2 Mt, far below the 1.4 Mt harvested last year. This decline in domestic output likely contributes to the downward pressure on sunflower prices in France.Soybean Prices Fall on Global Markets
Soybean prices on the CBOT have decreased, with the January 2027 futures contract at 1 238 ct$/bushel and the March 2027 futures contract at 1 246 ct$/bushel. Malaysian palm oil prices have also declined. On the French physical market, soybean prices in the Rhône-Alps and Rhine departures are nominally renewed for the October-December period.French Soybean Output Down
French soybean production in 2026 is estimated by Agreste to be down 30 % compared to the average of the previous five campaigns, at 281,000 t as of October 1, 2026. An interprofessional soybean plan is expected to be launched by the end of 2027 to achieve a target of 300,000 ha of soybean by 2035.Flaxseed Prices Rise Due to Quality Concerns
Flaxseed prices are nominally renewed in the Centre departure, with the winter oilseed flax harvest being very good. However, the quality of the oilseed has been strongly degraded by the heat waves of this summer, leading to high prices, particularly for yellow flax.New Production Unit Launched
The group Avril inaugurated a new esterification unit in Conroe, Texas, to produce specialty esters for the North American markets. This development may affect the supply and pricing of certain oil-based products in the region.Protein Crops See Price Gains
Protein crops, including peas and vetch, have seen price increases, with Breton forage peas increasing by 10 €/t and Breton vetch gaining between 3 €/t and 8 €/t over the period. The market for soy cake has seen a decline, with genetically modified soy cake prices giving way between 7 €/t depending on the commercial places and periods.Non-GMO Soy Cake Premium Rises
The premium for non-genetically modified soy cake continues to rise. Rapeseed cake prices have fluctuated slightly, and sunflower cake prices have stabilized. This reflects shifting market preferences and supply dynamics in the protein crop sector.Vegetable Oil Prices Show Mixed Trends
Vegetable oil prices have shown mixed trends, with rapeseed oil prices increasing in FOB Northern Europe and buyers positioning for the beginning of 2027 due to fears of continued price increases. Soybean oil prices have seen the first quotations for January 2027, with a wave of buying, while sunflower oil prices have been affected by Ukrainian exports.U.S. and Malaysian Oil Prices Drop
In the United States, soybean oil prices on the CBOT have decreased, and in Malaysia, palm oil prices have also declined. These movements are influenced by global supply and demand factors, including competition from other oil sources and export dynamics.Milling By-Products See Price Drops
Milling by-products have seen a slight decrease in prices, with fine flour prices in Brittany and Île-de-France returning to levels recorded fifteen days ago. The supply from millers is slightly increasing, facing a persistent demand from animal feed manufacturers.Starch By-Products Trend Downward
Starch by-products have experienced a downward trend, with corn gluten prices depreciating and wheat gluten and corn gluten feed prices decreasing. This reflects a broader trend in the milling industry, influenced by supply availability and market demand.Dairy By-Products Face Price Pressure
Dairy by-products have shown potential downward trends on the distant contracts, with powdered milk prices increasing in the short term but facing potential declines due to increased availability of milk and sales of low-priced American whey powder. Dehydrated alfalfa prices have been very nominally renewed at 225 €/t.Fishmeal Prices Drop Significantly
Fishmeal prices have significantly decreased, with prices falling by 90 €/t in origin South America and by 130 €/t in origin Scandinavia. This decline reflects changes in supply and demand in the global fishmeal market, influenced by production levels and competition from other protein sources.Straw and Forage Markets Show Activity
Straw and forage markets have shown some activity in the south of France, with prices for hay reaching as high as 500 €/t for round bales of meadow hay. The Crau Hay Committee has frozen its quotations to prioritize usual clientele.Grainery Markets Remain Quiet
Grainery markets have remained quiet, with a lack of available goods and buyers turning to other countries for supplies. This reflects a broader trend of reduced domestic availability and increased international sourcing in the grain sector.