W26 2025: Soybean Weekly Update

Published 2025년 7월 4일
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In W26 in the soybean landscape, some of the most relevant trends included:

  • In the 2024/25 crop year, Entre Ríos, Argentina, expanded soybean planting by 18% YoY to 1.29 million ha. Yields rose by 15% YoY to 2,681 kg/ha, resulting in a 36% increase in production to 3.44 mmt, the third highest level since the 2000/01 season.
  • Brazil's Goiás state will enforce a soybean sanitary break from June 27 to September 24, 2025. During this period, live soybean plants will be prohibited to control Asian rust. This measure aims to protect the 2025/26 harvest in one of the country’s largest producing regions, with an estimated output of 20.4 mmt.
  • Primorsky Krai, Russia, reported a 70% increase in planted soybean area to 211.8 thousand ha in 2025, reflecting a strong regional focus on oilseed expansion supported by favorable conditions and improved crop management.
  • Ukraine faces declining export demand prices for non-GMO soybeans, down USD 15–20/mt, amid weak purchases and rising sunflower processing. Concurrently, a draft law proposing a 10% export duty on soybeans may impact export competitiveness and market dynamics.
  • In the US, 96% of the 2025 soybean crop was planted by late Jun-25, with 66% rated good to excellent. Stable crop conditions and a planting pace matching last year suggest potential price stabilization. This occurs despite a 13.7% YoY price decline to USD 0.44/kg in W26.

1. Weekly News

Argentina

Soybean Area in Entre Ríos Expands 18% YoY in 2024/25, Reaching Nine-Year High and Boosting Output

In the 2024/25 crop year, soybean cultivation in Entre Ríos, Argentina, reached its largest planted area in nine years, expanding by 18% year-on-year (YoY) to 1,285,100 hectares (ha). This growth was partly driven by a shift away from corn due to pest concerns. Favorable weather conditions, including improved rainfall during the crop’s critical period, supported strong yields. Average provincial yields rose 15% YoY to 2,681 kilograms (kg) per ha, and 45% above the five-year average, marking the fourth highest yield in 25 years. As a result, soybean production rose 36% YoY to 3.44 million metric tons (mmt), the third highest output since 2000/01. Gualeguaychú led production with 15% of the provincial total.

Brazil

Goiás Enforces Soybean Sanitary Break from June 27 to Curb Asian Rust and Protect 2025/26 Harvest

The Goiás Agricultural Defense Agency (Agrodefesa) has announced the start of the annual soybean sanitary break, effective from June 27 to September 24, 2025. During this period, the cultivation and presence of live soybean plants, including volunteer plants (tigueras), are strictly prohibited to prevent the spread of Asian rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi), a highly destructive fungal disease. Backed by scientific research and field practice, this phytosanitary measure aims to protect the upcoming 2025/26 harvest. Goiás is Brazil's third-largest soybean-producing state, with an estimated 2024/25 output of over 20.4 mmt. Compliance with the sanitary break is mandatory, with sowing permitted from September 25 and crop registration due by January 17, 2026.

Russia

Primorsky Krai Soybean Area Expands by 70% Following Strong Spring Sowing Progress

As of June 26, 2025, soybean cultivation in Primorsky Krai reached 211.8 thousand ha, representing 86% of the planned area and marking a 70% increase compared to the previous year. The overall sowing of spring grain and leguminous crops in the region covered 370.7 thousand ha, or 90.2% of the target. The expansion of soybean acreage reflects growing regional emphasis on oilseed production, supported by favorable planting conditions and progress in crop management, including herbicide treatment on 86.8 thousand ha.

Ukraine

Ukrainian Soybean Prices Fall as Export Demand Slows and Processors Shift Focus to Sunflower and Rapeseed

In Ukraine, export demand prices for non-genetically modified organism (non-GMO) soybeans declined by USD 15 to 20 per metric ton (mt) to USD 410 to 415/mt (UAH 19,000 to 19,500/mt) due to a pause in purchases by major traders. Conversely, demand for Jun-25 deliveries of GMO soybeans remained firm, with prices at USD 382 to 386/mt (UAH 17,900–18,200/mt). Domestic processors further reduced prices for GMO soybeans to USD 407.09 to 411.88/mt (UAH 17,000–17,200/mt) amid weaker export demand and falling soybean meal prices. With increased sunflower processing and the upcoming rapeseed harvest, soybean purchases are expected to remain limited through Jul-25 and Aug-25.

Ukraine Revisits Soybean-Rapeseed Export Duty and Cooperative Tax Reform

Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada is set to revisit the "soybean-rapeseed amendment" under draft law No. 13157, which proposes a 10% export duty on soybean and rapeseed exports. The amendment is expected to be reintroduced through the parliamentary finance committee, alongside other tax-related provisions, including the "patronage dividend" measure. The latter aims to prevent double taxation on profits distributed by agricultural cooperatives. While consultations with the Ministry of Finance are ongoing, the bill may reach a parliamentary vote by July 15, 2025. However, concerns remain over potential International Monetary Fund (IMF) objections regarding tax preferences for the agricultural sector.

United States

US Soybean Crop Shows Steady Progress With 66% Rated Good to Excellent as of Late Jun-25

As of June 22, 2025, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that 96% of the United States (US) soybean crop had been planted, matching last year's progress but trailing the five-year average by 1%. Emergence was observed in 90% of the area, slightly ahead of 2023 and in line with historical trends. Approximately 8% of the crop had reached the flowering stage, 1% above both last year and the average. Crop conditions remained stable, with 66% rated as “good to excellent,” reflecting steady development under current weather conditions.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Soybean Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

* All pricing is wholesale, other than Argentina which is free on board (FOB) pricing * Varieties: Food grade soybean

Yearly Change in Soybean Pricing Important Exporters (W26 2024 to W26 2025) 

* All pricing is wholesale, other than Argentina which is FOB pricing * Varieties: Food grade soybean * Blank spaces on the graph signify data unavailability stemming from factors like missing data, supply unavailability, or seasonality

Brazil

In W26, Brazil's soybean prices held steady at USD 0.39/kg, showing no weekly change but declining 2.50% YoY from USD 0.40/kg. This stability amid broader downward pressure stems from a high Brazilian real (BRL) exchange rate, stable premiums, and falling prices on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT). Regional prices in Rio Grande do Sul averaged USD 22.60 per bag (BRL 122.18/bag), slightly below last year's range.

The anticipated increase in Brazil's soybean exports to 15 mmt in Jun-25, combined with strong Argentine exports offered at competitive discounts, is intensifying supply in global markets. This dynamic undermines US competitiveness, particularly in China, where recent shipments have predominantly originated from Brazil and Argentina. As US tariffs remain in place, Brazilian prices may face continued pressure, potentially limiting upward price movement in the near term.

United States

US soybean prices remained stable at USD 0.44/kg in W26, with no weekly changes, yet declined 13.73% YoY from USD 0.51/kg. Although current prices reflect a notable annual decline, stable crop development and favorable weather may support price stabilization or moderate recovery as the season progresses, depending on yield outcomes and market demand.

Argentina

In W26, Argentina's soybean prices declined 2.44% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 0.40/kg, marking a 9.09% drop YoY from USD 0.44/kg. This price weakening coincides with a surge in soybean sales, which doubled to 4.71 mmt in the first 18 days of Jun-25 as farmers accelerated exports ahead of a planned increase in export duties from July 1, 2025. The upcoming hike will raise soybean export taxes from 26% to 33%, and taxes on soybean oil and meal from 24.5% to 31%. This anticipated tax increase has incentivized producers to finalize shipments at the lower rates, driving a temporary spike in export volumes and contributing to current price pressures. However, market experts warn that once the higher taxes take effect, sales are expected to decline sharply, potentially reducing producer profitability and slowing export activity.

Uruguay

In W26, Uruguay’s wholesale soybean prices rose by 4.88% WoW to USD 0.43/kg, reflecting the first significant upward movement after months of subdued pricing. Despite this increase, average export prices between Mar-25 and Jun-25 remained 12.5% lower YoY, at USD 391/mt compared to USD 445/mt in 2024. The recent rise in producer prices to USD 370/mt, after several weeks near the USD 350 to 360/mt floor, has stimulated sales.

The price recovery comes amid record-high projected production of 4.2 mmt, driven by expanded planting (1.384 million ha) and strong yields, yet only a third of the crop has been exported so far. With the global oilseed market adjusting and export volumes set to rise, upward price movement may face limits unless international demand strengthens. Continued export momentum and market responsiveness will be critical to maintaining price stability in the months ahead.

4. Actionable Recommendations

Strengthen Phytosanitary Compliance and Disease Management

Producers and authorities in major soybean regions, especially Brazil's Goiás state, should rigorously enforce and comply with the annual soybean sanitary break (June 27–September 24, 2025) to control Asian rust. Enhanced monitoring, farmer training, and early detection systems will protect yields for the 2025/26 harvest and prevent costly disease outbreaks.

Adapt Export Strategies to Policy and Market Dynamics

Soybean exporters in Argentina and Ukraine must proactively adjust to upcoming export tax increases and regulatory changes by optimizing shipment timing and exploring value-added product exports. Governments should consider targeted support mechanisms, such as export credits or tax incentives for processing, to maintain competitiveness amid rising duties and fluctuating global demand.

Promote Agronomic and Crop Management Improvements for Yield Stability

Regions experiencing rapid soybean acreage expansion, like Entre Ríos (Argentina) and Primorsky Krai (Russia), should invest in best practices around pest management, herbicide use, and soil fertility to sustain strong yields. Facilitating knowledge exchange on agronomic advances and supporting access to quality inputs can help capitalize on favorable weather conditions and mitigate emerging risks.

Sources: Tridge, Revista Chacra, SuperAgronom, Grain Trade, Agro Link, Ukr AgroConsult, Agro Meat, Canal Rural, Spec Agro

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