Brazil supplied nearly 90% of China’s soybean imports in 2025

China imported 12.87 million tonnes of soybeans in September, according to the country’s customs data, representing a 13% increase compared with the same month last year and the second-largest volume since the start of the historical series in January 2001. Only in May of this year were imports slightly higher.

In the first nine months of the year, imports totaled 86.18 million tonnes, 5.5% higher than in the same period last year. Of this total, shipments from Brazil accounted for between 85% and 89%, according to a Commerzbank survey.

See below a historical record of Brazilian soybean exports to China. The chart was prepared with data from DataLiner:

Brazilian soybean exports to China | January to August | 2022–2025 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

In July and August, just over 3% and less than 2% came from the U.S., respectively. Data on the origin of soybeans in September will be published by the customs authority in a few days. There are strong indications that most of the imports in September also came from Brazil, the banknotes.

“This is because the new U.S. crop is only just starting to reach the market, which will probably be reflected in imports with a delay of one or two months. In addition, China’s 10% import tariff on U.S. soybeans, in force since the spring, has likely discouraged Chinese buyers,” wrote Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch in a report.

“The recent escalation in the trade conflict between the U.S. and China, therefore, comes at a very unfavorable time for American exporters. The price of soybeans is therefore under pressure. However, since the price drop has been fairly limited, the market apparently remains hopeful that an agreement may still be reached.”

Source: Globo Rural

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