CBOT soybeans lower in pre-weekend positioning

CHICAGO, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures fell on Friday on positioning ahead of the long weekend and next week's U.S. Department of Agriculture report.

• Soybeans have been supported by Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans and concerns over hot, dry weather in key U.S. growing areas.
• Under its daily reporting rules, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed private sales of 250,600 metric tons of U.S. soybeans to unknown destinations for delivery in the 2026-27 marketing year.
• China has continued purchases of U.S. soybeans after a meeting between the countries' leaders in May reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to buy 25 million metric tons a year through 2028.
• The United States and China are expected to announce measures on agriculture and non-tariff barriers during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Washington this month, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Thursday.
• Investors are looking for indications that China may reduce tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, which could pave the way for economically viable purchases beyond soybeans.
• New-crop November soybeans SX26 settled 6-1/2 cents lower to $13.09-3/4 a bushel.
• CBOT October soymeal SMV26 ended 40 cents lower to $348.20 per short ton, while December soyoil BOZ26 settled 0.77 cent lower to 69.27 cents per pound.