French rapeseed prices rise sharply

French rapeseed prices increased significantly on Euronext between October 12 and 13, 2026. The most actively traded February 2027 contract rose by 7 €/t to 559.25 €/t, and the second most active contract also gained 7 €/t. This increase affected all open futures, with the most significant gains seen in contracts from February 2027 to February 2028.

Sunflower prices show mixed activity

Sunflower prices in France showed less dramatic movement during the same period. The Fob Moselle rapeseed, a key benchmark for physical markets, rose by 7 €/t to 570.50 €/t. However, sunflower oil prices in Saint-Nazaire remained unchanged from the previous session, indicating a more stable market for that product.

Soybean prices decline on US markets

In contrast, soybean prices on the Chicago Board of Trade (Cbot) fell on October 13, 2026. The most actively traded November 2026 contract closed down by 4 cts$/boiss. to 1,283.75 cts$/boiss., with similar declines seen in other contracts. The drop was more pronounced for longer-term contracts, reflecting concerns about supply and demand dynamics.

Factors influencing soybean price movements

The decline in soybean prices was influenced by technical selling and fund activities. The delayed release of the Crop Progress report, due to a holiday, did not fully align with market expectations. Despite ongoing harvest progress, new rains and unchanged plant health raised concerns. Export inspections from the USDA were below expectations, with China and Mexico as the main recipients, adding to market uncertainty.

Broader market fundamentals

In Brazil, soybean planting is progressing well despite recent flooding in the south. In China, the Casde report suggests a possible decline in soybean production for the 2026/2027 season, attributed to lower planted area and yields. Import and crushing forecasts remain stable, but the absence of significant Chinese purchases has raised concerns among market observers.

Rapeseed and sunflower market dynamics

Rapeseed prices on Euronext continued to rise, driven by technical factors and increased oil prices. Attacks in the Black Sea and Yemen contributed to higher oil prices, which in turn supported rapeseed demand. In contrast, canola prices in Winnipeg fell, and sunflower oil storage in Ukraine is reaching capacity limits due to the conflict with Russia, forcing some producers to reduce output or halt production entirely.