Barchart Tracking Soybean Oil Surge Alongside Broader Grain Rally

According to Barchart’s commodity tracking, soybean and soybean oil markets are experiencing notable strength at midday trading sessions this week. The national cash bean average stands at $10.03½, while soybean meal futures have declined $2.30. Meanwhile, soybean oil futures have climbed 125 points, demonstrating the relative strength in the oil complex against other soybean derivatives. This divergence reflects recent policy developments and shifting market sentiment around renewable fuel incentives.

Government Support Signals Boost Soybean Oil Prospects

The Treasury Department’s morning announcement regarding 45Z tax credit guidance has provided additional momentum to soybean oil markets. The policy clarification has reduced market uncertainty around future demand for renewable fuels derived from agricultural commodities, creating a premium for soybean oil specifically. This regulatory backdrop has become increasingly important for participants following commodity markets through platforms like Barchart, which provide real-time analysis of policy impacts on agricultural futures.

Crushing Data Reveals Production Strength

Recent USDA Fats & Oils reporting indicates that December soybean crushing totaled 229.84 million bushels, slightly below trade expectations but maintaining robust production levels. On a year-over-year basis, December crushing was 5.59% higher than the prior year period, with month-over-month gains of 4.24% compared to November. The marketing year crush from September through the reporting period has accumulated 891.58 million bushels, representing a 7.43% increase versus the same timeframe last year. These metrics underscore sustained processing demand supporting bean complex prices.

International Trade Dynamics Pressure Imports

European Union soybean imports have totaled 7.29 million metric tons from July 1 through February 1, marking a notable decline of 1.33 MMT compared to the equivalent period in the previous year. This contraction in EU purchasing reflects broader global trade dynamics and competition from alternative protein sources in international markets.

Contract-Specific Price Action

Nearby cash soybeans are trading at $10.03½, up 6¾ cents. March 2026 contract soybeans sit at $10.68, representing a 7¾ cent gain. May 2026 futures stand at $10.79½, up 7 cents, while July 2026 contracts trade at $10.92¾, also up 7 cents. The consistent gains across the forward curve suggest sustained bullish sentiment, with Barchart data confirming broad strength across soybean complex pricing.