Soybeans in Ukraine retain competitive advantages among export crops thanks to high demand from processors, flexible logistics options, and small export consignments. In addition, in the new season the market has the potential for further price growth.

This is reported by the analytical department of the agricultural cooperative FUAC (First Ukrainian Agricultural Cooperative), established within the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC).

In the analysts' opinion, over the previous three seasons it was precisely soybeans that remained one of the few crops that provided stable profitability for producers.

"In 2022–2024, soybeans, like rapeseed, were a crop that really generated profit for farmers. They have an important advantage — they can be sold both for domestic processing and for export. For soybeans, both road and rail logistics are available, and demand at the Danube ports is also maintained. In addition, for export there is no need to form large consignments, as in the case of corn: 200–300 tonnes is enough. That is precisely why demand for soybeans traditionally remains more flexible," FUAC notes.

At the beginning of the new marketing year, the greatest risk of price pressure will arise on the corn market, whereas for soybeans the situation looks more promising.

"If you look at the price ratio between soybeans and corn, we have not yet reached peak values. A similar situation occurred at the beginning of last season, when the recommendation was simple: sell corn, but keep soybeans in storage. Those producers who sold soybeans in January, February, or March received a significantly better price. It is not out of the question that a similar scenario will repeat this season as well," the experts forecast.

When the period of mass harvesting begins, the supply of corn may significantly exceed demand, which will lead to a dip in prices. Soybeans, on the other hand, have a better chance of rising in price during the second half of the season.

"Some processing enterprises are already naming new-harvest soybean prices at a level of around UAH 17,000–18,000/t. However, under certain logistics conditions, the market may well see UAH 20,000–22,000/t as well. Therefore, it makes sense not to rush with forward sales. In winter, the price may be significantly more attractive for producers," FUAC sums up.