China boosts Brazilian soybean imports, raising alarm among U.S. farmers

Amid sweeping trade tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration on a large portion of Brazilian exports to the United States, Brazilian soybean exports to China surged in July — triggering concern among American grain producers.

According to data released by China’s General Administration of Customs, Brazilian soybean exports to China rose 13.9% in July compared to the same month in 2024.

In contrast, shipments from the U.S. to China fell by 11.5%.

Last month, China imported 10.39 million tonnes of Brazilian soybeans, accounting for 89% of total imports, up from 9.12 million tonnes in the same period last year.

China’s total soybean imports in July reached a record for the month, hitting 11.67 million tonnes.

In the first six months of 2025 alone, China imported 42.26 million tonnes of the product from Brazil. U.S. shipments totaled 16.57 million tonnes.

U.S. growers call for Trump’s help

In a letter sent Tuesday (August 19) to President Donald Trump, U.S. producers represented by the American Soybean Association (ASA) urged the administration to swiftly strike a trade deal with China that guarantees large-scale soybean purchases.

China is currently the world’s largest soybean buyer. Amid the ongoing tariff war initiated by the U.S., China has increasingly turned to Brazil as a favorable alternative source. Notably, China has yet to make advance purchases for the upcoming U.S. soybean harvest, an unusual delay that has alarmed American producers.

“Soybean farmers are under extreme financial stress. Prices continue to fall while our farmers are paying more for inputs and equipment,” the ASA wrote in the letter to Trump.

The letter adds that U.S. producers “cannot survive a prolonged trade dispute with our biggest customer.”

During the 2023–2024 marketing year, China purchased 54% of U.S. soybean exports, generating $13.2 billion, according to the U.S. Farmers’ Association.

China’s pivot to Brazilian soybeans could cost U.S. farmers billions. “The further we get into the fall without reaching an agreement with China, the worse the impacts will be for U.S. soybean producers,” the ASA warned.

As of now, the White House has not issued a statement.

Source: Metropoles

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