Strong Soybeans: Sales are holding sturdy despite trade pressures

While soybean export numbers might not look impressive at first glance, a commodity broker says the outlook is better than it appears.

Sales are tracking above the five-year average, which is an encouraging sign after several years of struggles in the soybean market. Greg McBride, Director of Brokerage for Allendale, notes that, even with ongoing trade tensions and tariff concerns, U.S. soybeans are still moving steadily.

“It still does leave us saying that we’re probably somewhere near where the final number is gonna be, but overall it’s not a major concern. As we talk about tariffs a lot lately, it also is telling us that we’re not getting some of these countries coming in and making major cancellations, and when it comes to the tariffs, especially on the soybean side, I think that’s where the biggest concern is when or if China would come in and retaliate with the cancellations on from their side.”

With sales near the expected targets, McBride believes there is no immediate need for USDA to make major adjustments to export forecasts.

Related Stories
“Farmers for Free Trade” warns that disaster is brewing as President Trump’s trade policy is causing farm input costs to rise even more.
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says more conversations need to occur with stakeholders present surrounding President Trump’s proposal to lower consumer beef prices with Argentinian imports.
Corn and wheat inspections outpaced last year, but soybean movement remains seasonally active yet behind, keeping basis and freight dynamics in focus by corridor.
Lawmakers are pressing for answers on how Washington’s “managed trade” approach — keeping leverage through long-term tariffs — will affect farmers, global markets, and future export opportunities.
Lyndsey Smith with Real Ag Radio joined RFD-TV to share a Canadian perspective on the discussions.
Ryan Dunsbergen, soybean product manager for Golden Harvest, shares an overview of their new soybean seed lineup and what growers can expect in 2026.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

A new study found that retaining the EPA’s half-RIN credit protects soybean demand, farm income, and crushing-sector strength while preserving biofuel market flexibility.
The U.S. has a bountiful corn supply, but markets are waiting for the January WASDE Report, which will include updated yield estimates.
Rising federal debt is increasing pressure on Washington to limit spending, which could tighten future funding and delivery for agricultural programs.
“I’m not sure where this bridge goes,” trader Brady Huck with Advanced Trading told RFD-TV News earlier this week.
CoBank’s 2026 Year Ahead Report cites global grain oversupply, easing inflation, rate cuts, and major data center growth that could reshape rural America.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.