Chicago Corn Futures Rise on Trade Talk Delay & Weather Concerns

Soybean futures hit daily limit on concerns over postponed U.S.-China summit

Mar. 17, 2026 at 8:51am

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Chicago soybean futures experienced a significant downturn this week, hitting their daily limit, fueled by concerns over a potential delay in the high-stakes meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The primary reason cited is the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, specifically the war in Iran, requiring Trump's presence in Washington to oversee the situation. This shift in focus has understandably rattled markets anticipating progress on trade negotiations.

Why it matters

The potential delay in the U.S.-China summit casts doubt on the swift resolution of trade disputes and the potential for renewed purchasing commitments, which has been a key driver of price increases in recent months. This highlights the interconnectedness of trade, security, and energy policy in the current geopolitical landscape.

The details

The immediate impact has been felt most acutely in the soybean market, with CBOT May soybeans settling 70 cents lower at $11.55-1/4 per bushel on Monday, marking the largest daily drop since 2023. Beyond soybeans, soyoil and soymeal also experienced declines, reflecting the broader market sentiment. Investor positioning data reveals that investors had been increasing their net long positions in corn, reaching levels not seen in over a year, but the uncertainty surrounding the Trump-Xi meeting has likely prompted some profit-taking and a reassessment of risk.

  • On Monday, CBOT May soybeans settled 70 cents lower at $11.55-1/4 per bushel, marking the largest daily drop since 2023.
  • President Trump has indicated a desire to postpone the summit, originally scheduled for March 31st to April 2nd, by approximately a month.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States.

Xi Jinping

The President of China.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.