China is the Key for Soybean Trade

It could shape up to be a pivotal year for U.S. soybean exports with new projections pointing to stronger global demand and expanding trade opportunities. According to the latest forecast at the USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum, export volumes are expected to climb. “It would really have to be a return of China to their normal purchasing habits, and I think right now that’s probably the best bet we have,” said Frayne Olson, NDSU Extension crops economist. “Anything beyond that, it’s going to be pretty heavy speculation on what you think is going to happen from a political standpoint.” Olson was part of this past week’s International Crops Expo.