CBOT soybeans fall, but China purchases weigh

CHICAGO, Dec 30 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures ticked lower on Tuesday despite signs of China returning to the U.S. market, with expectations of a bumper soybean harvest from top exporter Brazil.

• China was finishing up last-minute buying before the end of the year, according to analysts.

• On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that exporters sold 136,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans to China and 231,000 tons to "unknown destinations" — with both for delivery in the 2025/2026 marketing year.

• Trading remained light after the Christmas holiday and as the year-end approached, with many traders booking profits and exiting the market. GRA/

• CBOT March soybeans SH26 settled 1-1/4 cents lower at $10.62-1/4 a bushel.

• CBOT March SMH26 soymeal futures settled $1.00 cent lower at $302.30 per short ton.

• Most-active March soyoil BOH26 ended 0.15 cent higher at 49.44 cents per pound.