1. Weekly News

Argentina

Argentine Farmers Rally Against Planned Hike in Export Taxes on Soy and Corn

Argentina’s temporary reduction in export taxes for soy, corn, and sunflower—set to end on June 30—has triggered strong opposition from agricultural producers and rural associations. The tax rates are expected to revert to 33% for soy and 12% for corn starting in July, prompting widespread concern among farmers already facing falling global prices and rising input costs. While the Argentinian President reaffirmed the planned increase, some stakeholders hope for a delay, citing harvest delays and economic pressures. Regional associations argue the hike is untimely and harmful, potentially threatening rural economies, employment, and investment. They demand the government reconsider its stance, emphasizing that sustainable growth depends on partnering with, not penalizing, the agricultural sector.

Brazil

Early Planning and Risk Management Key for 2025/26 Soybean Season in Southern Brazil

Soy producers in southern Minas Gerais are already preparing for the 2025/26 season, emphasizing the need for early decisions due to global market instability, logistical bottlenecks, and climate uncertainty. Delayed input purchases could lead to supply disruptions and higher costs, while external factors–such as high global stock levels, unresolved United States-China trade tensions, and geopolitical conflicts such as the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel–further threaten demand and increase logistical costs. To mitigate these risks, experts recommend input-for-grain barter deals and hedging strategies to secure production costs. Ultimately, early planning and risk management remain critical pillars for sustainable and competitive farming.

Stem Breakage and Grain Rot Challenge Soybean Producers Amid Changing Growing Conditions

Soybean producers face increasing issues with stem breakage and grain rot, particularly in hot, humid regions like northern Mato Grosso and Paraná. Stem breakage, linked mainly to genetic and environmental interactions in high-yielding plants, causes fragile stems without clear pest or disease causes, making resistant cultivar selection the main management strategy. Grain rot, caused by fungal complexes such as Diaporthe and Fusarium, thrives under humid conditions favored by early planting and rainfall during harvest, reducing grain quality and germination. Research emphasizes that while fungicides can reduce rot incidence, genetic resistance remains the most promising long-term solution. Confusion arises because climate stress can produce symptoms similar to fungal damage, requiring careful field diagnosis. Changes in cultivation practices and microclimates, not the diseases themselves, have intensified these problems. For upcoming cycles, experts recommend selecting resistant varieties, monitoring weather carefully, and applying fungicides judiciously to mitigate losses and sustain productivity.

Brazil Reconsiders Soy Moratorium Amid Legal Scrutiny and Agribusiness Pressure

The Soy Moratorium, an environmental pact banning the purchase of soybeans from deforested areas in the Amazon after 2008, is under formal review in Brazil. The Administrative Council for Economic Defense (Cade) is investigating whether the agreement constitutes anti-competitive behavior among major companies, while agricultural groups like Aprosoja-MT claim the pact causes billions in annual losses and unfairly excludes legal producers. The case has also reached the Supreme Federal Court (STF), where the Minister of Supreme Federal Court, upheld a Mato Grosso state law penalizing companies that support the moratorium, while acknowledging its environmental benefits. The outcome of these proceedings may significantly reshape Brazil’s agricultural production model and global reputation.

Biological Inoculants Boost Productivity in Brazil’s Soy Strategy for 2025/26

As Brazilian soybean producers plan for the 2025/26 season, biological inoculants—especially Bradyrhizobium and Azospirillum—are gaining traction as cost-effective tools to enhance nitrogen fixation and reduce fertilizer dependence. Research from the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) shows yield increases of up to 8% with Bradyrhizobium and 16% with coinoculation. Currently, 85% of growers use Bradyrhizobium, while coinoculation adoption has reached 29% of cultivated areas. Innovations such as Novonesis’ CTS 1000®, which extends inoculant shelf life to 90 days, offer further advantages, combining operational flexibility with proven field performance and higher nodulation efficiency.

China

China’s Soybean Imports Hit Record High in May Amid US Trade Tensions

China imported a record 13.92 million tons of soybeans in May, more than double April’s volume and up 73% month-on-month (MoM) driven by a surge in purchases from Brazil. The sharp increase was prompted by Chinese processors seeking to secure cheaper Brazilian soy amid concerns that trade tensions with the US could disrupt future American supplies. While Beijing continues to diversify its agricultural imports, soybeans remain the US' primary export to China. However, additional Chinese tariffs on US agricultural goods, including soybeans, remain in place despite an ongoing trade truce.

Ukraine

Ukraine Nears Soybean Sowing Target Despite Smaller Forecasted Area in 2025

As of June 5, 2025, Ukraine has sown 2.3 million hectares (ha) of soybeans—97% of the forecasted 2.4 million ha, which is 226,200 ha less than the area sown in 2024. According to the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food, sowing occurred across 20 regions, with Rivne and Ternopil exceeding their targets. Several other regions, including Vinnytsia, Volyn, Zakarpattia, Kirovohrad, Odesa, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, and Chernihiv, achieved 100% of their sowing plans.

United States

US Soybean Crushing Hits May Record Despite Missing Forecasts; Oil Stocks Drop Sharply

According to the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA), US soybean crushing in May reached 5.25 million tons—slightly below market expectations but marking a 1.4% rise from April and a 5% increase year-on-year (YoY). This volume set a new record for May and ranks as the eighth-highest monthly crush on record. Meanwhile, soybean oil stocks plummeted to 1.373 billion pounds (lbs) by May 31, down 10.1% from April and 20.3% lower YoY, reflecting robust crushing demand amid tightening oil supplies—factors that could influence market pricing and dynamics in the near term.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Soybean Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Soybean Pricing Important  Exporters (W25 2024 to W25 2025) 

Brazil

In W25, Brazilian soybean prices remained stable week-on-week (WoW) at USD 0.39/kg, reflecting a moment of equilibrium between market forces. The modest MoM increase of 2.63% suggests a short-term recovery driven by strong domestic and export demand, particularly amid active Chinese purchasing and consistent international shipments. However, YoY prices declined by 7.14%, indicating sustained downward pressure from Brazil’s high soybean production and overall global supply abundance. Market caution stemming from geopolitical tensions, including unresolved US-China trade issues, has kept liquidity low despite external interest. Additionally, legal scrutiny of the Soy Moratorium has introduced further uncertainty that may influence future production and market dynamics. Overall, while short-term demand supports prices, structural oversupply and policy risks continue to weigh on long-term pricing trends.

United States

In W25, US soybean prices fell 4.35% WoW and 2.22% MoM to USD 0.44/kg, continuing a downward trend that culminated in a 13.73% YoY decline. Despite some support from stronger export demand, particularly from China and Mexico, and lingering planting delays in parts of the Midwest due to scattered rainfall and cooler temperatures, overall favorable crop conditions and robust production outlook have anchored market expectations. These stabilizing supply-side fundamentals have outweighed short-term weather risks and export optimism, leading to weaker prices. The current declines reflect a market adjusting to anticipated high yields and broad availability, despite intermittent disruptions.

Argentina

In W25, Argentina's soybean prices rose 2.5% WoW and 5.13% MoM to USD 0.41/kg, although they remain 6.82% YoY. The recent price gains are primarily driven by tightening domestic supply, as intermittent rainfall delayed harvest completion and limited short-term availability. Export activity has also remained firm, especially for soybean meal and oil, sustaining international demand. Additionally, concerns over the upcoming reinstatement of higher export taxes have created pressure to accelerate sales, further supporting prices. However, the broader YoY decline reflects a normalization from last year’s tighter conditions, despite ongoing domestic and policy-driven constraints.

Uruguay

Uruguay’s soybean prices remained unchanged WoW, MoM, and YoY in W25 at USD 0.41/kg, reflecting complete stability. This price consistency is underpinned by a well-balanced supply-demand environment, supported by favorable growing conditions and average yields around 3.2 metric tons per ha. Steady export performance, particularly to key Asian markets, has maintained demand, while the stable Uruguayan peso has helped keep input costs in check and preserved export competitiveness. Together, these factors have contributed to a calm market with no major price fluctuations.

3. Actionable Recommendations 

Enhance Agronomic Resilience Through Shared R&D and Technology Transfer

Countries facing increasing agronomic stress, such as Brazil with stem breakage and grain rot, should collaborate on cultivar development and share findings on disease and climate-resilient varieties. Joint research initiatives, especially between Embrapa (Brazil), INTA (Argentina), and US land-grant universities, can drive regional gains and reduce isolated R&D costs.

Expand Adoption of Biological Inputs to Improve Productivity and Sustainability

The success of biological inoculants in Brazil highlights an opportunity for wider adoption across the Southern Cone and Ukraine. Regional technical workshops, supported by institutions like Embrapa and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), can build grower capacity to integrate coinoculation and reduce dependence on nitrogen-based fertilizers, lowering production costs and environmental impact.

Sources: Tridge, Agro Portal UA, Bichos de Campo, Canal Rural, Grain Trade, Portal do Agronegocio, Revista Cultivar