USDA Soybean Jan'23 monthly report update

According to USDA Jan’23 report, 2022/23 Argentina soybean production is lowered 4.0 million tons to 45.5 million on drought conditions straining yields. Smaller supplies put downward pressure on crush and exports, both lowered this month. Argentina exports and crush have been subdued this year as farmers were reluctant to sell soybeans to hedge against high inflation. However, a more favorable ‘soy dollar’ exchange rate enacted in September temporarily boosted sales and exports for a couple months.

Despite a cut in soybean production in Argentina, South American supplies in 2022/23 are still forecast at a record predominantly due to record Brazil production. Unlike Argentina, Brazil soybean production is up 1.0 million tons this month to 153.0 million. Additionally, soybean carry in is raised 3.0 million tons due to an upward revision to the 2021/22 crop and a lower crush estimate. As a result, both Brazil crush and soybean exports are up this month. This increase mostly offsets Argentina reductions this month.