China Buys 87% of Soybean Target + Trump vs. Powell
China Buys 87% of Soybean Target + Trump vs. Powell  
Podcast: Grain Markets and Other Stuff
Published On: Mon Jan 12 2026
Description: Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links —Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.🌽 USDA Reports Preview (Crop Production, WASDE & Grain Stocks)USDA will release its monthly Crop Production and WASDE reports on Monday, along with the quarterly Grain Stocks report.• Analysts expect a notable decline in US corn production and yield, though both would still be record large• Soybean production and yield are forecast to slip modestly• US ending stocks for corn and wheat are expected to edge lower• Soybean ending stocks are projected to increase slightly• Corn exports are forecast at record highs• Soybean exports are expected to decline amid slow sales to China• World ending stocks are expected to remain largely unchanged🇨🇳 China Buys More US SoybeansChina purchased at least 10 cargoes of US soybeans on Friday for April–May shipment.• At least eight cargoes will ship from the US Gulf• The remainder will ship from the PNW• The deal follows another 10-cargo purchase earlier in the week by Sinograin• Several smaller flash sales were also reported last weekDespite the recent buying, traders remain uncertain about if and when the soybeans will ultimately ship.🚢 USDA Flash Sale UpdateUSDA reported a flash sale of 198,000mt (7 mil bushels) of soybeans to unknown destinations for the 2025/26 marketing year.• Accumulated US soybean sales are down 29% vs. last year🇧🇷 Brazilian Soybean Harvest BeginsBrazil’s soybean harvest is underway and running ahead of normal.• 0.53% harvested vs. a five-year average of 0.39%• Only 0.05% was harvested at this time last year• Warm, dry weather is expected to persistBoth Conab and USDA are projecting a record Brazilian soybean crop.📊 CFTC Fund PositioningFor the week ending January 6:• Funds were net buyers of corn• Net sellers of soybeans (continuing a large liquidation trend)• Net sellers of SRW wheat💳 Trump Calls for Credit Card Rate CapPresident Trump is calling for a 10% cap on credit card interest rates for one year, down from current rates near 20%.• Banks warn the move could reduce credit availability• Riskier borrowers could face credit line cuts, higher fees, or larger minimum payments• Proposal could take effect as early as January 20Shares of some credit card companies were lower this morning, with Capital One down about 2.5%.