Soybean futures rose between 19 and 36 cents across most contracts on May 19, following new details about U.S.-China trade agreements. The cmdtyView national average cash soybean price increased by 36.25 cents to $11.49, while soymeal and soy oil futures also saw gains.
The increase in prices comes as the market responded to updated information from recent talks between the United States and China. According to a White House fact sheet released Sunday, “China will purchase at least $17 billion per year of U.S. agricultural products in 2026 (prorated), 2027, and 2028, in addition to the soybean purchase commitments that it made in October 2025.” This announcement is seen as significant for U.S. farmers and exporters who rely on international demand.
The weekly Crop Progress report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service showed that U.S. soybean planting reached 67% by May 17, well above the five-year average of 53%. Emergence was reported at 32%, compared to an average of 23%. Export shipments for the week ending May 14 totaled nearly half a million metric tons, with China receiving over two hundred thousand metric tons—making it the top destination—followed by Mexico and Egypt.
Despite this week’s gains, marketing year exports for soybeans remain down by nearly twenty-two percent compared to last year since September. However, officials hope that China’s renewed purchasing commitments could help reverse this trend over time.
Broader implications for agricultural producers include continued support from organizations such as Legacy Farmers Cooperative—which serves producers in ten counties of northwest Ohio; maintains grain centers, agronomy sites, fuel stations and retail locations; employs more than one hundred fifty people; supports community initiatives including scholarships; is structured as a member-owned cooperative; and aims to exceed customer expectations—all according to the official website.
