China soymeal futures hit 2-mth low amid new ASF outbreak

Soymeal futures in China slumped to a two-month low on Wednesday as bearish sentiment was boosted by new African...

Soymeal futures in China slumped to a two-month low on Wednesday as bearish sentiment was boosted by new African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks reported in China and speculation that they could lead to less soymeal usage in animal feed.

Soymeal futures contracts on the Dalian Commodity Exchange fell 2-3% across the curve with the most liquid contract down 2.36% to CNY3,269/mt ($502/mt) – the lowest level since late December last year.

The sell-off was partly driven by the latest announcement of a case of ASF found in a truck in Sichuan province with 10 piglets, two of which died from the disease, according to a statement released by China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA).

While several sources pointed to the overall market sentiment and weak demand of soymeal.

“The sentiment is too bad and the [Wasde] report was not bullish at all,” said one China-based analyst.

“The corn price is too high. And many companies have been using wheat to replace corn and soymeal in their feed,” said one feed trader.

Corn futures on the Dalian also slipped to the lowest level in a month with the most liquid contract down nearly 2% on the day to CNY2,716/mt ($417/mt).

On the contrary, hog futures on Dalian ticked up slightly with the most active contract up 0.5% to CNY28,050/mt ($4,309/mt).

What to read next
The publication of Fastmarkets’ index for steel reinforcing bar (rebar) export, fob China main port for Tuesday November 19 was delayed due to a reporter error. Fastmarkets’ pricing database has been updated.
The USDA's latest report shows that the US corn and soybean harvests have exceeded market expectations
China’s electric vehicle (EV) and battery industry participants expect more uncertainty under a second Donald Trump presidency amid the president-elect’s intention to scale back the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and pursue expanded protectionist trade policies, sources told Fastmarkets on Thursday November 7
Chinese steelmakers exporting low-carbon emission steel products will be among key users of green ferro-alloys, mainly because of the carbon emissions reduction requirements of the end users in their export destinations, sources told Fastmarkets.
Steelmakers that lag behind in decarbonization will be first to be phased out after green steel capacity rises to meet future demand, a senior advisor from a major Chinese steel company told delegates at the China Steel Industry Summit for 2025.
Donald Trump’s second term as US president is not likely to have too much of an impact on China’s electric vehicle (EV) and new energy markets, despite broader concerns over potential tariff hikes which might bring challenges to both China and the US, sources told Fastmarkets on Thursday November 7.