Brazil expands sorghum exports to China, intensifying competition with US

Brazil is rapidly increasing sorghum production and exports, intensifying competition with the US in the Chinese market. In August, the country made its first shipment of sorghum to China, opening a new export destination. Amid trade tensions between Washington and Beijing, Brazilian producers are gaining additional opportunities to expand their presence in the global grain market.

Over the past four years, Brazil’s sorghum production has more than doubled, reaching around 6 mln tons last season. According to Rabobank, output could increase to 10 mln tons by 2031. The expansion is supported by growing sorghum as a second crop after soybean harvesting, as well as rising domestic demand from ethanol producers. In particular, Inpasa Agroindustrial is investing in processing facilities capable of using both corn and sorghum.

New export opportunities emerged following Brazil’s entry into the Chinese market. In August, Cofco International shipped the first cargo of Brazilian sorghum to China. According to estimates from exporters’ association ANEC, Brazil could ship up to 2.4 mln tons of sorghum from its ports by the end of October, mainly to Chinese buyers. By comparison, Brazil recorded no significant sorghum exports in 2025.

Meanwhile, US producers are facing declining production and unstable demand from China. US sorghum output could fall by 33% this season due to reduced planted area and drought. While China purchased more than $2 billion worth of US sorghum over a decade ago, the value of shipments dropped to $86 million in 2025. The National Sorghum Producers association has already urged the Trump administration to negotiate annual Chinese purchases of 5–7 mln tons of US sorghum.

Further expansion of production and exports could make Brazil one of the main competitors to the US in the global sorghum market. China is seeking to diversify its import sources and reduce dependence on individual suppliers. According to Brazilian experts, the country could eventually overtake the US in sorghum production, significantly reshaping the competitive balance in the international grain market.

Tags: China, Brazil, USA, sorghum