US soybean processing falls to lowest level in 8 months

U.S. soybean crushing in May fell to its lowest level since September, the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) reported on Monday.

NOPA members, representing virtually all U.S. soybean crushers, crushed 5,682,000 metric tons of soybeans last month. This figure is 1.4% lower than the April level of 5,765,900 metric tons, but 8.3% higher than the 5,247,200 metric tons crushed in May 2025. Daily crushing volume was 183,300 metric tons, an eight-month low.

Ten analysts surveyed forecast average crushing volume in May at 5,879,200 metric tons. Their estimates ranged from 5,641,000 to 6,071,900 metric tons, with the median forecast being 5,889,500 metric tons.

According to analysts, soybean crushers have been temporarily shutting down capacity for seasonal maintenance and repairs since April after several months of record or near-record crushing volumes.

Soybean oil inventories among NOPA members fell to 787,000 tonnes as of May 31, a five-month low. Compared to the end of April, inventories are down 12%; NOPA revised its April figure to 894,000 tonnes from a previously reported 883,200 tonnes.

Tags: soybean, USA