Soybean Imports to China Reached a Record 111.83 Million Tons in 2025
In 2025, China recorded a record soybean import volume of 111.83 million tons, which is 6.5% higher compared to the previous year. This increase was driven by intensive purchases from South America, compensating for the decline in shipments from the United States in the first half of the year.
This is reported by AgroReview
Market Activity and Changes in Trading Partners
In the first half of 2025, Chinese importers largely refrained from purchasing American soybeans due to increased tariffs and trade disputes. However, by October, China resumed purchases and contracted nearly 10 million tons of American soybeans with the intention of further increasing volumes. Concerns about supply shortages due to the trade war with the U.S. prompted China to significantly boost soybean purchases from South America, particularly from Brazil and Argentina.
Impact of South American Exporters and Industry Forecasts
Analysts estimate that significant growth in imports during the first half of the year was achieved due to concentrated shipments from major producers—Brazil and Argentina. As noted by agricultural researcher Liu Jinlu from Guoyuan Futures, these volumes contributed to setting an annual record:
“Concentrated shipments from large producers, including Brazil and Argentina, led to a sharp increase in imports in the first half of the year, helping to elevate annual figures to a record level,” said Liu Jinlu, agricultural researcher from Guoyuan Futures.
According to estimates, in December 2025, soybean imports to China increased by 1.3% year-on-year, reaching 8.04 million tons.
At the same time, the U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts a new record soybean harvest in Brazil—177 million tons, which is 3.2% higher than last season’s figure, with exports expected to reach 113 million tons, a 3.7% increase compared to last year. However, according to estimates from the Brazilian association ANEC, soybean imports to China may decrease by 10 million tons in the coming year.