- Global crude soybean oil prices showed range-bound movements during Q1’26 as support from biofuel demand and higher energy prices was balanced by ample soybean supply expectations and active trade adjustments.
- Feedstock sentiment remained supported by strong renewable fuel demand and elevated freight costs, although improving South American soybean availability moderated sharper price increases.
- Downstream demand from edible oil, food processing, and biodiesel sectors remained highly price-sensitive, with buyers shifting between soybean, palm, and sunflower oil based on relative pricing.
Asia
In Asia, crude soybean oil prices largely remained range-bound during Q1’26. In India, prices increased marginally between January and March. Market sentiment remained influenced by India’s agreement to allow duty-free imports of U.S. soybean oil and DDGS under a new trade framework, which raised concerns over cheaper imported edible oils and pressured domestic oilseed markets. China increased soybean imports during March as larger Brazilian cargo arrivals improved crushing activity and edible oil supply availability. Global soybean production for 2025/26 exceeded 420 million metric tons, while Brazil’s soybean output remained near 169 million metric tons, supporting export flows across Asia. However, Iran war related disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz increased freight, marine insurance, and cargo transit costs, tightening short-term supply availability and supporting regional prices.
European
The European crude soybean oil market remained stable-to-range-bound during Q1’26 as elevated freight costs and logistical disruptions influenced procurement activity. Expectations of stronger South American soybean exports prevented sustained price increases despite higher international vegetable oil benchmarks. Europe’s import-dependent market structure kept buyers sensitive to freight volatility and shipment delays caused by Middle Eastern maritime disruptions. Demand from food manufacturing and biofuel sectors remained steady, while cautious procurement strategies limited aggressive buying activity during the quarter.
North America
In North America, crude soybean oil prices followed mixed movements during Q1’26, supported by renewable diesel and biodiesel blending demand. Biofuel consumption continued to support soybean oil fundamentals despite ample soybean supply expectations from South America limiting stronger price gains. Export demand remained supportive, while evolving trade policies influenced regional competitiveness and global trade flows. Elevated marine freight and fuel costs linked to the Iran war indirectly increased transportation and procurement expenses across the edible oil supply chain.