The USDA announced nearly 4 million metric tons of corn sold to China in the past week. The sales came as high-level U.S.-China talks began, and commentary notes that vegetable oil prices have risen sharply on tight supply and a proposed U.S. clean energy push.
Soybean oil has gained over 30% since January 1.
Large Chinese corn purchases tighten U.S. export supplies and support corn prices. Strong soybean oil demand from biofuel expectations also supports prices in the oilseed complex.
After 729 past bullish trade events, CORN moved a median +0.4% over 5 sessions (56% higher; middle half -1.1% to +1.8%), and +0.5% over 20.
After 224 past bullish trade events, SBO moved a median +0.4% over 5 sessions (54% higher; middle half -1.5% to +2.1%), and -0.5% over 20.
Moves of each commodity's benchmark from the last close before the event. Historical reads pool past events of the same kind; they describe what happened, not what will. Not investment advice.
USDA announced nearly 4 mt of corn sold to China in one week, a major export demand shock that supported futures.