Brazil tightens soybean export controls to China after quality complaints

Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture Carlos Fávaro said the government will hold talks with China over soybean inspection procedures and safety requirements following complaints from Beijing. The concerns relate to the quality of Brazilian soybeans shipped to the world’s largest importer.

According to the minister, Brazil has not relaxed controls, rejecting media reports that export procedures had been eased. On the contrary, inspections were strengthened after weed seeds were found in some cargoes.

Fávaro stressed that the rules remain unchanged and that export certificates will only be issued for shipments fully compliant with Chinese standards. He emphasized that vessels will not be cleared to sail unless their cargo meets all requirements.

To resolve the issue, Brazil plans to send a delegation of agriculture officials to China to propose a mutually agreed sanitary protocol. The aim is to maintain market access while preserving production capacity and minimizing risks for exporters.

The tighter controls have already impacted the market, with traders reporting delays in certification, rising costs, and vessels waiting longer at ports. Notably, Cargill temporarily suspended shipments of Brazilian soybeans to China.

Despite these challenges, export volumes remain strong. According to the exporters’ group Anec, Brazil’s soybean shipments in March are expected to reach about 16.32 million tonnes, only slightly below previous forecasts, indicating continued solid demand from China.