China plans to cut soybean meal use, raising concerns for Brazilian exports

China has announced a plan to reduce the use of soybean meal in pig feed, a move that could affect Brazilian soybean exports. In 2025, the country imported more than 70 million tonnes of soybeans, reinforcing Brazil’s position as its leading supplier.

Lower import demand

China’s Agriculture Ministry projects a 6.1% drop in soybean imports in 2026 and expects that reduction to reach as much as 30% by 2030 through the adoption of new feed technologies.

The country is investing in fermentation-based products and alternative ingredients, such as insects, to replace soybean meal. The changes are aimed at improving pork quality and increasing the country’s food self-sufficiency.

Impact on Brazil

Brazil, which remains heavily dependent on soybean exports, needs to develop a strategy that ensures greater predictability in the domestic market.

The following analysis outlines the monthly export volumes of soy derivatives —specifically pellets and soybean meal — to all global destinations since January 2023. This data set was compiled and analyzed by Datamar:

Soybean Meal Exports to China | Jan 2023 – Mar 2026 | WTMT

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Diversifying soybean use, including in biodiesel production, could be one way to reduce the impact of lower export demand.

Source: Canal Rural

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