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Soybean Futures

Soybeans, originating in Asia thousands of years ago, have evolved into one of the most versatile and widely used crops globally. Their applications span various industries, from Asian cuisine’s soy sauce and tofu to soybean oil, a common cooking oil. Notably, soybeans play a crucial role in animal feed, serving as a primary protein source for livestock production worldwide.

Given its high demand and broad applications, Soybean futures are actively traded on global commodity exchanges. The Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE) and the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) are two major exchanges providing soybean futures contracts. These contracts are essential for market participants engaging in hedging and speculative activities.

As we usher in the new year of 2024, this article aims to recap the performance of Soybean Futures in 2023 and explore what lies ahead for Soybean Futures in 2024.

A farmer's cupped hands holding a large handful of newly harvested soybeans, with a vast layer of beans in the background.

Trading Soybean Futures and Options

Traders can trade soybean futures and options from both the Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE China) and Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) through Orient Futures International Singapore. To trade Dalian Soybean Futures contracts (Soybean No.1 and 2), International traders would require an overseas intermediary like Orient Futures Singapore, through either the QFI China Scheme or the Internationalized products.

DCE Soybean Futures Contract Specification

The Dalian Commodity Exchange Soybean Futures Contract has the following specifications:

The DCE Soybean Futures Contract has a minimum price fluctuation of CNY 1/metric ton.

Contract months are January, March, May, July, September, and November.

The last trading day of the contract month is the 10th trading day of the delivery month.

Dalian Commodity Exchange trading hours are from Monday to Friday, at these trading hours:

9:00AM – 11:30AM and 1:30PM – 3:00PM Beijing Time

DCE Soybean Futures Ticker Symbol: A

CBOT Soybean Futures Contract Specification

The CBOT Soybean Futures Contract has the following specifications:

The CBOT Soybean Futures Contract has a minimum price fluctuation of ¼ of one cent (0.0025) per bushel which is = $12.50.

Contract months are for 15 monthly contracts of Jan, Mar, May, Aug, Sep and 8 monthly contracts of Jul and Nov listed annually after the termination of trading in the November contract of the current year.

The last delivery date of the good is on the second business day following the last trading day of the delivery month.  

CBOT trading hours are from Monday to Friday, at these trading hours:

8:30 am – 1:20 pm CT

Or Sunday to Friday:

7:00 pm – 7:45 am CT  

CME Globex Soybean Futures Ticker Symbol: ZS

Click to find out more on DCE trading hoursCBOT trading hours and also DCE and CBOT Soybean Contract Specifications.

Apart from Soybean Futures, both CBOT and DCE also offer other commodity futures such as Iron Ore Futures, Rough Rice Futures, and more.

Soybean Futures 2023 Performance Recap

According to the data by Ceidata, prices for DCE Soybean No. 1 Futures has been on a decline in 2023, starting at 5,266 RMB/Ton in January 2023 to 4,832 RMB/Ton, as of 21st Dec 2023.

Trading Economics also reported that CBOT Soybeans Futures decreased 14.42% since the beginning of 2023, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity.

According to Investing.com, the decline in soybean prices can be attributed to several fundamental factors. A key factor is the record domestic stock of edible oil, creating a surplus in the market. This abundance of edible oil has led to reduced demand for soybeans, impacting the crush margin negatively.

Furthermore, increased soybean production has contributed to a higher overall supply, intensifying the downward pressure on prices. These combined factors highlight the intricate balance between supply, demand, and market dynamics influencing soybean prices.

A glass jar mug of soy milk placed next to a small wooden bowl filled with soybeans on a white wooden table.
Soybean Futures Market News

This latest soybean market news is based on Orient Research Weekly Report on Agricultural Products dated 17 December 2023 and other sited sources.

Soybean Supply and Demand

There have been little changes in the supply and demand situation of Soybeans in China, with sufficient supply of new grains.

Despite some impact on logistics due to rain and snow, prices did not adjust significantly due to weak downstream demand. The State Reserve did not hold a domestic soybean auction for the week of 11th December 2023, and grain depot purchases have basically concluded, with no policy support to boost the market.

Traders’ sentiment for the future continued to deteriorate, with a Steelhome survey showing the proportion of traders bearish on the future market increasing from 45% to 50%, while 47% expected consolidation, and only 3% were optimistic. The domestic oversupply situation is difficult to change, and soybean futures are expected to continue a weak trend.

Soybean Futures Price

According to Barchart, DCE Soybean No. 1 Futures is priced at 4,832 RMB/Ton, as of 21st Dec 2023. Click to find out the latest price on DCE Soybean Futures.

Two clear glasses of soy milk sitting on a bed of soybeans spread across a woven wooden tray, next to a spoonful of beans.
Soybean Futures 2024 Market Outlook

According to Trading Economics, Soybeans is expected to trade at 1288.27 USd/BU by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts’ expectations. Looking forward, we estimate it to trade at 1220.32 in 12 months’ time.

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