US Grain Markets See Mixed Results Amid Global Trade Uncertainty

Soybean futures at the Chicago Board of Trade closed higher on Thursday, reversing earlier declines. The US Department of Agriculture reported a private sale for 192,000 tonnes of 2026-27 soybeans to China, which helped boost sales. Net sales of 1.95 million tonnes of 2026-27 soybeans met trade expectations.

The USDA's export sales report showed a net reduction of 94,200 tonnes of 2025-26 soybeans and strong soymeal exports, with new crop shipments reaching a marketing year high of 701,900 tonnes. Soyoil exports were also higher than expected at 1,300 tonnes.

However, the story was different for wheat futures, which tumbled on Thursday due to speculation about a possible deal between Russia and Ukraine. US wheat export sales were within expectations at 313,500 tonnes, but July shipments fell to a four-year low of 1.65 million tonnes, down 27.5% from last year.

Corn futures also declined, with heavy pressure from wheat. The USDA reported net corn export sales for old crop and new crop, with the latter exceeding market predictions at 1.99 million tonnes. July shipments reached a record 7.48 million tonnes, up 22.6% from last year.