Several factors fuelled the price hikes during that period. In Argentina, the world's third largest soy producer and main exporter, farmers went on a strike from March to July against the government's decision to raise soy export tariffs. The result was Argentina's soy exports were disrupted. Then, when soy buyers turned to the US for supplies, June's floods in the American midwest postponed soy seeding and reduced this year's expected harvest. CBOT soy prices responded by rallying to historic highs.

Meanwhile, soaring soymeal prices triggered substitution effects of other protein meals, pushing up both their demand and prices. Compared to May, average prices of soymeal and rapeseed meal in July rose by 22 percent while cottonseed meal surged by 37% percent and fishmeal 7 respectively.

Early July's price plateus occurred after Argentine farmers reached a consensus with the government--the government gave in and called off the tariff increment. In addition to ensuring supplies, the lower tarrif reduced expected prices on its own. Immediately, soy supply tension in the international market eased off. Adding to the good news was favourable July weather in American soy growing regions. When crude oil prices finally weakened after a long rally, it added to the downward price pressure.

In China, soymeal prices softened in tandem amid lower production costs. Moreover, livestock inventories had dwindled as rearing profits were eroded by the soaring feed costs. Consequently, demand for soymeal went on a slide. Soymeal prices fell by 11 percent or RMB500 to fall to RMB4,250/tonne from its peak in early July.

Looking ahead, should the US experience fair weather as predicted, near-term soy prices are likely to stay around current levels. –Downward movement is limited by transport, farm labour and fertiliser costs. They have risen by 50 to several hundred percent, thereby raising soy's price floor.