Rapeseed Stagnates Amid Trade Uncertainty – Soy Complex Mixed as Tariff Fears Simmer

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📉 Rapeseed Stagnates Amid Trade Uncertainty – Soy Complex Mixed as Tariff Fears Simmer

📍 Rapeseed futures in Paris held steady on Monday, while soybean markets remained volatile amid intensifying U.S.–China trade tensions. Despite Chinese retaliation with a 34% import tariff, traders cautiously hope for a diplomatic resolution. Meanwhile, strong canola gains in Winnipeg hint at renewed confidence in Canadian exports to the U.S.


📊 1. Market Overview – Futures & Developments

🌍 CBOT – Soybeans & Products

📅 Contract 💰 Close (ct/bu) 💶 EUR/t (approx.) 📈 Change
May 2025 983.00 €328 +5.00
Jul 2025 994.75 €332 +3.75
Nov 2025 1,007.00 €336 +1.25

📉 Euronext – Rapeseed Futures (07.04.2025)

📅 Contract 💰 Close (EUR/t) 📉 Change
May 2025 516.25 -0.75
Aug 2025 476.00 -0.25
Nov 2025 478.00 -0.25

📈 ICE Winnipeg – Canola Futures

📅 Contract 💰 Close (CAD/t) 💶 EUR/t (approx.) 📈 Change
May 2025 636.60 €408 +14.60
Jul 2025 643.00 €412 +16.30
Nov 2025 628.40 €402 +13.20

🌍 2. Market Drivers & Key Influences

🇨🇳 Tariff Tensions Fuel Market Jitters

  • China’s 34% retaliatory tariff on U.S. soybeans has rattled markets.
  • President Trump responded with threats of another 50% tariff, heightening uncertainty.
  • Around 600,000 t of U.S. soybeans destined for China remain unsent.
  • USDA data shows 2 MMT sold to “unknown” destinations, which may include China.

🇺🇸 Soybean Export Shipments Still Solid

  • USDA export inspections for the week ending April 3 totaled 804,270 t, down just 1% w/w but up 63% y/y.
  • This marks the third-highest total for this calendar week since 2002.
  • China was the top destination with 341,278 t, followed by Egypt (140,658 t).

🇪🇺 EU Rapeseed: Quiet Consolidation

  • After recent strength, rapeseed settled nearly flat as markets weighed possible EU tariffs on U.S. soybeans.
  • A weaker euro helped cushion losses while falling crude oil prices capped gains.
  • New crop months remained steady amid soft demand and macro pressures.

🇧🇷 Brazilian Harvest Accelerates

  • According to AgRural, Brazil’s 2024/25 soybean harvest reached 87% by April 3.
  • That’s 11.5% ahead of last year’s pace.
  • Focus now shifts to Rio Grande do Sul, where drought has lowered yields.

🌴 Palm Oil Under Pressure

  • Malaysian palm oil fell to a 10-week low, weighed by weak crude oil and soy oil markets.
  • June contract closed at 4,329 MYR/t (€976/t), down 2% for the week.
  • Further declines followed as Brent and WTI crude dropped 3% on Monday, their lowest levels since April 2021.

🔮 3. Price Outlook – Next 3 Days

📉 Rapeseed (Euronext)

  • Tendency: Sideways to slightly weaker
  • Support: €505/t
  • Resistance: €530/t
  • Outlook: €510 – €525/t

📉 Soybeans (CBOT)

  • Tendency: Bearish bias amid trade fears
  • Support: 965 ct/bu
  • Resistance: 990 ct/bu
  • Outlook: 965 – 980 ct/bu

📉 4. USDA Global Soybean Stocks (Long-Term)

Season 🌎 Global Ending Stocks (MMT) Change
2021/22 311.5
2022/23 301.0 -10.5
2023/24 295.8 -5.2
2024/25 290.3 -5.5

🔍 5. Summary & Outlook

📉 Key Takeaways:

Mintec Global
  • Rapeseed held steady as macro pressure limited further gains.
  • Soybeans are vulnerable as trade tensions escalate sharply.
  • Canola surged on optimism around U.S.–Canada trade clarity and biofuel demand.

🔮 Market attention will remain on tariffs, oil price action, and Thursday’s USDA export sales. Any diplomatic signals or further escalation will be closely watched.