Soybean futures held above $13 per bushel, near their highest level since December 2023, as fresh Chinese purchases supported demand despite weak US export sales. China has continued buying US soybeans as part of its commitment to purchase 25 million metric tons annually through 2028. The USDA confirmed a 192,000-ton fresh sale to China for 2026/27, following purchases of 202,000 tons a day earlier and 136,000 tons on September 1. US and Chinese officials are also expected to announce measures on agriculture and non-tariff barriers during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Washington this month, raising hopes for lower Chinese tariffs on US farm products. Meanwhile, the latest USDA weekly report showed a net reduction of 94,200 tons in 2025/26 soybean sales for the week ended August 27. However, accumulated exports reached 40.76 million tons, while outstanding sales stood at 1.10 million tons. New-crop demand remained firm, with 2026/27 outstanding sales at 16.28 million tons.