Beijing: China imported no soybeans from the United States in September 2025, marking the first time since November 2018 that shipments from the U.S. fell to zero. This sharp decline comes amid continuing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies, compounded by high tariffs imposed by Beijing and the exhaustion of previously harvested U.S. supplies, known as old-crop beans.
The halt in U.S. soybean imports coincided with a surge in shipments from South America. Brazil dominated the market, delivering 10.96 million tons, representing 85.2% of China’s total soybean imports, while Argentina’s shipments rose 91.5% to 1.17 million tons, or 9% of the total. Overall, China imported 12.87 million metric tons of soybeans in September, the second-highest monthly total on record, highlighting the country’s continued reliance on soybeans to meet domestic demand.
Analysts warned that U.S. farmers could face billions in losses if trade negotiations fail to resolve the standoff, as Chinese buyers increasingly source soybeans from South America. Johnny Xiang, founder of AgRadar Consulting, noted that a supply gap could emerge in China between February and April 2026 before Brazil’s new harvest reaches the market, potentially affecting both domestic prices and global trade flows.
Trade talks between Beijing and Washington have shown signs of renewed momentum following weeks of tariff threats and export controls. Despite the current avoidance of U.S. beans, Chinese purchases earlier in 2025 totaled 16.8 million tons, up 15.5% year-on-year, indicating that prior agreements still provide some cushion for American producers.
The redirection of Chinese demand towards Brazil and Argentina underscores the global ripple effects of trade tensions, highlighting both the vulnerability of U.S. agricultural exports and the strategic importance of South American suppliers in maintaining global soybean supply chains.