Corn, Soybeans, Wheat Prices Mixed as Trump-Xi Meeting Looms

EPA grants nationwide waiver for E15, E10 fuel blends to help lower gas prices

Mar. 26, 2026 at 5:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Corn prices are up 0-1 cents, soybeans are up 0-1 cents, and wheat is down 0-1 cents. Crude oil is up $3.00-$3.01, and the US dollar is up 8 points. President Trump is scheduled to meet with President Xi of China on May 14-15, with President Xi expected to visit Washington DC later in the year. The EPA has issued a nationwide summer waiver to allow the sale of E15 and E10 gasolines to boost production and help lower gas prices.

Why it matters

The upcoming Trump-Xi meeting is seen as a positive sign for US-China relations, which could impact commodity prices. The EPA's move to allow higher ethanol blends could provide a boost to corn demand and prices. Crude oil and currency fluctuations also play a key role in the direction of agricultural commodity markets.

The details

Weekly export sales estimates for corn, soybeans, soybean meal, and wheat are out this morning. Corn is estimated at 700,000-1,600,000 metric tons, soybeans at 200,000-600,000 metric tons, soybean meal at 100,000-600,000 metric tons, and wheat at 150,000-400,000 metric tons. Traders are looking for another mixed trade day as the markets digest the latest news and data.

  • President Trump and President Xi are scheduled to meet in China on May 14-15, 2026.
  • President Xi is expected to visit Washington DC later in 2026 for another face-to-face meeting.

The players

President Trump

The President of the United States.

President Xi

The President of China.

EPA

The United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The upcoming high-level meetings between the US and Chinese presidents, combined with the EPA's move to boost ethanol production, could have significant implications for agricultural commodity markets in the coming months.