Global agricultural markets face price shifts

Between October 15 and 16, 2026, agricultural markets around the world saw significant price changes. These shifts were driven by a mix of weather patterns, trade activities, and market predictions. Prices for several key crops moved in different directions, reflecting complex global dynamics.

Soybean prices decline on U.S. markets

On Friday, October 16, 2026, soybean prices on the Chicago Board of Trade (Cbot) fell slightly. The November 2026 contract closed at 1,261.25 cents per bushel, down 1.75 cents. Similar declines were seen in the January 2027 and March 2027 contracts, with each dropping by 2 cents. All open contracts for soybean trading experienced this decline.

Rapeseed prices fall in Europe

On Euronext, rapeseed prices also dropped. The most active February 2027 contract closed at 552 euros per tonne, down 2.75 euros. The second most traded May 2027 contract closed at 556.25 euros per tonne, down 3 euros. This decline affected all contracts up to February 2028, though some later contracts showed slight increases.

Rapeseed contract rises near end of trading

The November 2026 rapeseed contract, which has its last trading day on October 30, 2026, saw a slight increase of 2 euros per tonne to 501.75 euros. Despite this, the volume of open positions remained above 12,000. However, Fob Moselle rapeseed prices, a key reference for French physical markets, also declined.

Soybean meal and oil prices react

Soybean meal prices on U.S. markets fell on Friday, following the decline in soybean prices. Soybean oil prices, however, showed no clear trend, as price spreads fluctuated. Internationally, sowing conditions in Brazil remain favorable, but rain is expected soon. Market participants are closely watching the potential impact of the El Niño weather pattern.

CIC/IGC updates soybean figures

The International Grains Council (CIC/IGC) updated its soybean production estimates for October 2026, slightly lowering them compared to September. However, these figures are still much higher than those from the same month last year. The CIC still forecasts a record global soybean production.

Rapeseed prices fall due to multiple factors

Rapeseed prices on Euronext continued to decline on Friday, influenced by the drop in soybean and other vegetable oil prices. The stronger euro against the dollar also contributed to the decline. Despite rising oil prices, such as WTI and Brent crude, this did not support rapeseed prices.

Global supply pressures on rapeseed

Rapeseed is currently facing a surplus from Canada and Australia, where prices are more competitive than in Europe. European rapeseed, though more expensive, has seen a decline in prices over recent weeks. In France, low Rhine water levels are causing disruptions in contract fulfillment. Canola prices in Winnipeg also dropped, with the November 2026 contract closing below 800 Canadian dollars per tonne.

Palm oil sees technical buying in Malaysia

Palm oil prices in Kuala Lumpur rose on Friday due to technical buying, despite declines in vegetable oils on competing Asian and U.S. markets. Private data on Malaysia’s exports for October showed higher figures than those from September.

Soybean fundamentals show slight changes

According to the International Grains Council (CIC/IGC), global soybean production in October is estimated at 439 million tonnes, slightly down from 440 million tonnes in September but higher than 431 million tonnes a year ago. World soybean international trade is estimated at 190 million tonnes in October, compared to 191 million tonnes in September and 187 million tonnes last year.

U.S. soybean exports and sales

Recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows that the United States exported 558,000 tonnes of soybeans to China for the 2026/2027 campaign. Additionally, 236,000 tonnes were sold to undisclosed destinations. For the week ending October 8, 2026, U.S. soybean export sales totaled 574,900 tonnes, with China and Egypt as the main recipients.