# Soybean Futures Drop as Disappointing Crush Data Outweighs Export Sales

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/soybean-futures-drop-as-disappointing-crush-data-outweighs-export-sales-6dfe8a
- Published: 2026-10-15T22:01:13Z
- Category: commodities; sentiment: bearish; impact: medium
- Symbols: [CBOT:ZL1!](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/CBOT-ZL1!)
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U.S. soybean futures closed lower on Thursday, falling 10 to 14 1/4 cents per bushel as market pressure from a weak domestic processing report offset strong international sales. November 2026 soybean contracts dropped 14 1/4 cents to $12.63 per bushel, while average national cash prices fell 14 1/2 cents to $12.04. Soybean Oil Futures (CBOT:ZL1!) also weakened, sliding 0.31% to 66.94 cents.

The downturn followed official processing data showing U.S. soybean crush volume fell to 196.3 million bushels in September. That total was well below trade estimates, down 0.8% from a year ago and 4.46% lower than August. The disappointing crush figure overshadowed export announcements of 330,000 metric tons sold to China and 283,450 metric tons to unknown destinations, bringing weekly sales above 1 million metric tons. Meanwhile, soybean oil inventories dropped 12.35% from August to 1.053 billion pounds, the lowest level since November 2014.

Market participants are looking ahead to upcoming weekly export reporting, where analysts anticipate sales between 0.5 and 1.2 million metric tons for the 2026/27 marketing year. On the global supply front, Brazilian agricultural officials project the 2026/27 crop at 181.6 million metric tons, up 0.7% from last year, with planting area expanding at its slowest annual pace since 2011/12.

## Key points

- November soybean futures dropped 14 1/4 cents to close at $12.63 per bushel.
- September soybean crush fell to 196.3 million bushels, down 4.46% from August and below trade estimates.
- Weekly export sales topped 1 million metric tons, including 330,000 metric tons purchased by China.
- Soybean oil inventory dropped to 1.053 billion pounds, reaching its lowest level since November 2014.
- Brazil's 2026/27 soybean crop is estimated at 181.6 million metric tons, up 0.7% from the previous year.

## Questions and answers

### Why did soybean prices fall despite Chinese purchases?

Soybean prices declined because a lower-than-expected September crush total of 196.3 million bushels created selling pressure that outweighed more than 1 million metric tons of weekly export sales.

### How much soybean volume was crushed in September?

A total of 196.3 million bushels of soybeans were crushed in September, which was 0.8% lower than last year and 4.46% below August levels.

### What is the outlook for Brazil's soybean production?

Brazil's 2026/27 soybean crop is projected at 181.6 million metric tons, up 0.7% from a year earlier, with acreage expanding 1.43% to 49.3 million hectares.