Grain and oilseed futures closed mostly lower on 22 September 2026, according to ADM Investor Services analyst Mark Soderberg. Corn drifted back toward session lows while managed money extended a long position that ADMIS described as a potential record high. Soybeans finished mixed, soybean meal protein value reached a seven-month high, and wheat futures fell sharply amid ongoing Black Sea conflict and softening global supply signals.
Corn futures pulled back toward technical support on September 23, 2026, erasing Monday's gains, while a USDA daily export sale to Mexico, a high-stakes Xi-Trump summit in Washington, a proposed U.S. diesel export ban, and a projected 70% surge in global biofuel output by 2030 combined to create a complex backdrop for feed-grain and oilseed markets.
Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 675 introduces mandatory producer-register verification for rapeseed exporters from 1 July 2026 and soybean exporters from 1 September 2026, replacing chamber-of-commerce certificates as the basis for export-duty exemptions. The change raises working-capital and administrative costs for traders and is already contributing to a modest convergence of Ukrainian rapeseed prices toward EU benchmarks.
South African SAFEX sunflower seed futures softened in late September 2026 as seasonal harvest pressure weighs on local prices, while Black Sea seed and crude oil values remain underpinned by ongoing Ukrainian port disruptions and a tightening global vegetable oil balance, according to CMB News.
Chinese oilseed processing equipment maker Scikoon has finished fabrication and successfully completed trial-run testing of a 5,000-tonne-per-day Double Deck Cracker and Flaking Mill, declaring the unit ready for delivery to large-scale oil processing projects.
Grain futures rose overnight on 21 September 2026 as China's state-owned firms purchased at least 260,000 tonnes of U.S. soybeans days before a presidential summit in Washington, while U.S. and Chinese officials began preparatory trade talks in New York. Soybean meal, corn and wheat futures all gained, though progress on China's broader $17 billion annual farm-goods commitment remains limited.
Palm oil prices face near-term downward pressure after Malaysia reported higher August inventories and weaker exports, while speculation mounts that India could reduce import duties on edible oils, adding further headwinds to global palm prices.
An unprecedented drought in Austria has sharply reduced 2026 autumn crop yields, with potatoes down 50–70%, soybeans more than 50%, and grain maize nearly 30% versus the five-year average. The shortfalls are tightening feed ingredient and raw material availability for domestic processors and neighbouring EU markets, pushing up procurement costs for livestock producers and feed formulators.
Soybean prices are holding broadly steady, supported by strong Asian crushing margins and firm Chinese feed demand, even as Ukrainian FOB values ease and CBOT futures consolidate ahead of the US harvest. Wilmar International's H1 2026 results point to a meaningful uplift in crushing volumes and processing profits, while Brazilian planting begins under El Niño-influenced conditions.
Global sunflower seed output is projected to reach around 62.3 million tonnes in 2026/27, reinforcing an oilseed surplus, while Chinese confection and bakery-grade kernels command firm premiums. Black Sea logistics disruptions and export taxes continue to add volatility to trade flows, with China's role as an alternative supplier seen as a potential source of growing pricing power.
