China Resumes Imports of Brazilian Soy from Five Leading Companies
China, the world’s largest importer of soy, has resumed purchases of Brazilian soy from five companies that were previously suspended due to phytosanitary issues. This is evidenced by data from China’s customs service, as well as information from sources familiar with the situation. This move underscores Brazil’s continued status as a key supplier of soy to China, especially amid trade tensions between the U.S. and China.
This is reported by AgroReview
Resumption of Supplies and Political Context
The resumption of Brazilian soy exports began on April 25, shortly before Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s visit to China. This decision coincided with China’s efforts to form a broader international coalition against U.S. trade policies. Back in January, the Chinese government suspended soy imports from companies such as Terra Roxa Comercio de Cereais, Olam Brasil, C.Vale Cooperativa Agroindustrial, Cargill Agricola S.A., and ADM do Brasil. All of these organizations are part of international agribusiness leaders.
The Brazilian side has repeatedly expressed its intention to resolve the situation with Beijing. Last month, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture provided Chinese officials with additional information regarding the activities of the suspended companies. According to the open database of Chinese customs, all five firms currently have a “normal” status. However, the exact date of the resumption of shipments is not specified in the database, and it is also impossible to verify the previous status of the companies.
Global Markets and Export Prospects
China purchases over 60% of the world’s soy supply, with more than 70% of its imports coming specifically from Brazil. This trend further diminishes the role of the U.S. in the global market for this crop. In 2024, China set a record by importing 105.03 million metric tons of soy, of which over 74 million tons were supplied from Brazil. Experts predict that import volumes will further increase in the second quarter of the current year due to a record harvest in Brazil.
“The resumption of supplies strengthens trade ties between China and Brazil, which is crucial for both countries amid global economic challenges.”
Representatives from Archer-Daniels-Midland Co, Cargill Inc, Terra Roxa Comercio de Cereais, and others, as well as the Chinese customs service and the Brazilian Embassy, are currently refraining from official comments on the situation.