Brazil’s soybean exports drop nearly 18% in March amid shipping challenges

Brazil’s soybean exports in March averaged about 633,400 metric tons per day through the first three weeks, down 17.9% compared with last year’s full-March daily average, according to the Brazilian government. The decline occurred during the peak export month as the harvest progressed.

Brazilian farmers have harvested around 70% of the 2025/26 crop, according to recent reports by consultancies AgRural and Patria Agronegocios. However, exporters are facing both global and domestic challenges in shipping the record crop.

High risks on key shipping routes in the Persian Gulf, linked to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, have added logistical pressures, the exporters’ group Anec reported.

Additionally, shipments to China have been hampered by difficulties in obtaining phytosanitary certificates following inspection requirement changes from Beijing. Analysts note that these factors are already affecting the pace of Brazil’s soybean deliveries to international markets.

Tags: export, Brazil, soybean