China cuts U.S. soybean imports to zero and increases purchases from Brazil by nearly 30%

China did not import any soybeans from the United States in September, according to data released on Monday (20) by the country’s General Administration of Customs. It is the first time since November 2018 that the world’s largest soybean importer has recorded zero U.S. shipments.

The halt comes amid higher tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, the depletion of previous stockpiles, and the ongoing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. In September 2023, China had imported 1.7 million tonnes of U.S. soybeans.

While purchases from the United States fell to zero, Brazilian soybean imports to China rose 29.9% from the same month last year, totaling 10.96 million tonnes — equivalent to 85.2% of all soybeans imported by China in September.

Below is a comparison of Brazilian soybean exports to China over the first eight months of the past four years. The chart was prepared with data from DataLiner:

Soybean Exports to China | January to August 2022–2025 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

Imports from Argentina also increased significantly, up 91.5%, reaching 1.17 million tonnes, or about 9% of the total. Altogether, Chinese soybean purchases totaled 12.87 million tonnes, the second-highest monthly volume on record.

The surge in Brazilian soybean exports reflects the competitiveness of the country’s product in the global market and the record 2025 harvest, which kept prices stable even amid strong Chinese demand.

With the temporary exclusion of the United States from the Chinese market, Brazil strengthens its position as the world’s leading soybean supplier, widening its lead over competitors and consolidating its strategic importance in global grain trade.

Source: Times Brasil

Sharing is caring!