Crude Soybean Oil
Crude soybean oil is a vegetable oil derived from soybeans. It is sold in an unrefined state, may be degummed, and is not chemically modified.
Prices, specifications and international trade for crude soybean oil under HS 150710.
Crude Soybean Oil Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Crude soybean oil is quoted in USD/t at ARG. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
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Argentina led reported crude soybean oil exports in 2025, at $5.1B.
Compare crude soybean oil exporting countriesCrude Soybean Oil Specifications and Quality
Crude soybean oil grading factors include Free fatty acid content, Moisture and volatile matter, and Impurities and sediment.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for crude soybean oil considers Free fatty acid content, Moisture and volatile matter, and Impurities and sediment.
- Free fatty acid content
The level of free fatty acids indicates the degree of hydrolysis in the oil, which affects refining losses and the taste of the final refined product. Lower free fatty acids are preferred for edible use.
- Moisture and volatile matter
Excess moisture or volatiles can promote microbial growth and hydrolysis during storage, leading to off-flavors and reduced oil quality. Buyers check this to ensure the oil is dry and stable.
- Impurities and sediment
The presence of insoluble impurities, such as meal fines or dirt, can affect handling and refining efficiency. Cleaner oil reduces losses and processing issues.
- Color and odor
Crude oil has a characteristic dark color and strong odor, but excessive darkening or rancid smells may indicate poor seed quality or mishandling. This influences the refining process needed.
Common Defects
Recorded defects for crude soybean oil include High free fatty acids, Excessive moisture, and Sediment or foots.
- High free fatty acids
Elevated free fatty acids can result from damaged seeds or prolonged storage, leading to increased refining losses and a lower yield of refined oil.
- Excessive moisture
Moisture above acceptable levels can cause hydrolysis, increasing free fatty acids and promoting microbial growth, which may lead to off-flavors and reduced shelf life.
- Sediment or foots
Suspended solids or settled material in the oil can block equipment and affect the efficiency of downstream processing, requiring additional filtration.
Crude Soybean Oil Facts and HS Code
Crude soybean oil belongs to vegetable oils within grains, oilseeds, oils and feed. Its customs classification covers HS 150710.
Crude Soybean Oil HS Code
| Also known as | soybean oil, crude, soy oil, crude |
|---|---|
| Product type | Raw |
| Position in the chain | Primary |
| Category | Vegetable oils — Grains, oilseeds, oils and feed |
| HS codes | 150710 |
| HS6 description | Vegetable oils; soya-bean oil and its fractions, crude, whether or not degummed, not chemically modified |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | ARG |
Production & Handling
Crude soybean oil storage guidance: Store crude soybean oil in clean, dry, and well-ventilated tanks, protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Nitrogen blanketing may be used to limit oxidation, which can cause off-flavors and increased free fatty acids.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | None |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Ambient |
| Storage conditions | Store crude soybean oil in clean, dry, and well-ventilated tanks, protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Nitrogen blanketing may be used to limit oxidation, which can cause off-flavors and increased free fatty acids. |
| Production methods | Farmed |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical crude soybean oil packaging includes Flexitank in container, ISO tank container, and Drums or totes.
- Flexitank in container
A large, disposable liner fitted inside a standard shipping container, used for bulk liquid transport to reduce handling and contamination risk.
- ISO tank container
A stainless steel tank designed for food-grade liquids, used for large volumes where hygiene and temperature control are critical, especially for long ocean voyages.
- Drums or totes
Smaller containers like steel drums or IBC totes are used for less-than-container loads or specialty shipments, offering flexibility for smaller buyers.
Uses & Risks
Crude soybean oil is used in Refined edible oil, Biodiesel production, and Industrial lubricants.
End Uses
- Refined edible oil
Crude oil is refined through degumming, neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization to produce a clear, bland oil for cooking and food manufacturing.
- Biodiesel production
The oil is transesterified with alcohol to produce fatty acid methyl esters, which are used as biodiesel, often blended with petroleum diesel.
- Industrial lubricants
Crude soybean oil can be further processed into biolubricants, hydraulic fluids, and other industrial fluids due to its biodegradable properties.
- Animal feed ingredient
After refining, some oil fractions may be used in feed formulations, though crude oil is less common due to impurities; it can be added to feed after proper treatment.
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Vegetable oil refining, Biodiesel manufacturing, Food processing, Industrial chemicals |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Oxidative rancidity Food safetyMedium Exposure to oxygen, light, or heat can cause oxidation, leading to off-flavors and the formation of harmful compounds. This is a risk during storage and transport. | Use nitrogen blanketing in storage tanks, minimize exposure to air and light, and control temperature during transport. |
Contamination during transport LogisticsMedium Residues from previous cargoes in tanks or containers can contaminate the oil, affecting its quality and safety. This is a concern when using shared transport equipment. | Use dedicated food-grade tanks or ensure thorough cleaning and inspection of containers before loading. |
Temperature extremes during transit ClimateLow Very low temperatures can cause cloudiness or solidification of certain components, while high temperatures accelerate oxidation. Both can affect handling and quality. | Maintain moderate temperatures during transport and storage, and avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold. |
Crude Soybean Oil Questions
- What is the definition of crude soybean oil?
- Crude soybean oil is the unrefined oil extracted from soybeans, including any degummed form, and it has not been chemically modified. It is classified under vegetable oils and is the primary product before any refining steps.
- How should crude soybean oil be stored to preserve its quality?
- Crude soybean oil should be kept in a cool, dry environment, ideally below 25 °C, and protected from light and oxygen to prevent oxidation. Using sealed, food‑grade containers and maintaining a stable temperature during transport helps retain its freshness.
- What are the typical processing steps after receiving crude soybean oil?
- After receipt, crude soybean oil is usually degummed to remove phospholipids, then neutralized to eliminate free fatty acids, followed by bleaching and deodorization to improve color and odor before it becomes refined oil suitable for consumption.