Soybeans Futures Quotes Show Recovery Momentum as Traders Reassess Weekly Losses

Soybean futures are attempting to recoup losses with modest gains of 3-4 cents on Tuesday’s session. The previous trading day proved challenging for positions, with front-month contracts sliding 9-10 cents as market participants squared positions ahead of First Notice Day on Wednesday. Open interest declined by 15,996 contracts during Monday’s session, with the bulk of liquidation concentrated in January deliveries (down 32,102 contracts).

Cash Prices and Related Commodity Complex Activity

The national cash soybean market reflects persistent weakness, with prices settling at $9.80 3/4, representing an 8-cent decline from the prior session. Complementary commodities within the complex showed mixed signals: soybean meal futures retreated $2.50 to $10.90 per ton, while soybean oil futures gained ground with 6-10 point advances, buoyed by crude oil’s modest recovery.

Export Dynamics and Supply Chain Updates

USDA data revealed a private export commitment of 100,000 metric tons destined for Egypt during Monday morning’s reporting window. The Export Inspections report for the week ending 12/25 documented total soybean shipments of 750,312 MT (27.57 million bushels), a significant 19.3% decrease compared to the prior week and 54.4% lower than the corresponding period one year ago. Egypt received 127,017 MT during this interval, while Vietnam imported 89,227 MT, though China maintained its position as the leading destination with 135,417 MT received.

Marketing year shipment totals have reached 15.396 million metric tons (565.71 mbu), reflecting a concerning 46.3% decline relative to the same timeframe last year. This substantial year-over-year reduction underscores persistent global demand headwinds affecting soybean futures quotes across multiple contract months.

Geopolitical Backdrop and Market Uncertainty

The Chinese military’s conducted exercises around Taiwan introduced additional bearish sentiment, intensifying the geopolitical risk premium affecting commodity pricing broadly. This backdrop of elevated tensions between Washington and Beijing continues to weigh on export prospects and international buying interest.

Contract-Specific Performance

The January 2026 soybean futures contract closed Monday at $10.49 1/2, down 9 1/4 cents, though currently displaying a 3 1/2 cent recovery. March 2026 soybeans declined 9 cents to $10.63 1/2, with current prices up 3 1/2 cents from the open. May 2026 soybeans finished Monday at $10.75 1/4 (down 9 cents) and are currently advancing 3 1/4 cents, continuing the modest Tuesday bounce pattern across the futures curve.