CBOT soy ends up on spillover strength from 16-month high in corn

Feb 18 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures closed firmer on Tuesday on spillover support from a 16-month high in the neighboring corn market, brokers said.

• Borrowed strength from gains in corn futures Cv1 offset improving crop weather in Argentina that was bearish for the market, they said.

• Weekend rains in Argentina prevented further losses in soybean and corn crops that struggled with hot, dry weather last month, the Rosario grains exchange said.

• Weekly U.S. soybean export inspections were 720,332 metric tons for last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said. That was below analysts' estimates for 875,000 to 1.25 million metric tons.

• CBOT March soybeans SH25 closed 2-1/2 cents higher at $10.38-1/2 per bushel.

• CBOT March soymeal SMH25 ended down $2.1 at $293.80 per short ton, and March soyoil BOH25 rose 1.23 cents to close at 47.3 cents per pound.