A cinematic aerial view of a massive bulk cargo ship being loaded with soybeans at a Ukrainian Black Sea port terminal during overcast winter conditions

Ukrainian soybean exports slow in December amid price dip

Key Takeaways

  • Ukrainian soybean exports reached approximately 200,000 tons by December 15, with shipment activity expected to slow toward month-end.
  • Port quotations stabilized in the $422-427/mt range, showing slight weakness following a broader global price correction.
  • Domestic processors remain active and competitive buyers, with favorable crushing margins helping to support local soybean prices.
  • Market sentiment is neutral to slightly bearish, with CBOT trends increasingly driving price direction for Ukrainian soybeans.

Market Update

Ukraine’s soybean export momentum is beginning to decelerate as global price corrections filter into the domestic market, according to the PUSK analytical department of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council. While mid-December shipments remain relatively active, cumulative exports totaled around 200,000 tons as of December 15, and analysts expect a slowdown in export intensity through the remainder of the month.

The global correction in soybean prices has already weighed on Ukrainian export quotations. Over the past week, port prices remained largely flat to slightly lower, settling in the $422-427/mt range. Despite the softer export values, domestic processors continue to post competitive bids, actively vying with exporters for available volumes. This firm internal demand is underpinned by favorable crushing margins, which sustain steady crush operations and help support farm-gate prices.

Price and Export Snapshot

Indicator Value Comment
Cumulative soybean exports (as of Dec 15) ≈ 200,000 tons Export pace expected to slow by month-end
Port quotations (soybeans) $422-427/mt Stable to slightly weaker after global correction

Analysis and Market Sentiment

Market sentiment for Ukrainian soybeans is currently assessed as neutral to slightly bearish. The market appears to be entering a stabilization phase, with price direction increasingly tied to CBOT trends and broader global oilseed dynamics. The narrowing spread between export and domestic prices reflects more balanced supply-demand conditions within Ukraine, as processors and exporters compete for the same volumes.

For logistics coordinators, the anticipated slowdown in export activity implies lighter loading schedules toward late December, potentially easing pressure on port infrastructure and transport capacity. Traders should closely monitor CBOT developments for guidance on Black Sea pricing, as further global weakness could pressure export returns. However, robust domestic processor demand and strong crushing margins are likely to provide a price floor, limiting substantial downside in the near term.

Source: Market Data


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