China more than doubles US soybean imports in July

China imported 1.11 mln tons of US soybeans in July 2026, up 164% from 420.9 thsd tons in the same month last year. The sharp increase reflects the continued arrival of cargoes purchased after Beijing resumed buying US soybeans in late 2025, according to Chinese customs data.

Meanwhile, shipments from Brazil, which remains China’s largest soybean supplier, declined by 5.9% year-on-year to 9.78 mln tons from 10.39 mln tons. China’s total soybean imports in July increased by just 0.9% year-on-year to 11.77 mln tons.

Despite the sharp increase in July, the US continues to lose ground in the Chinese market on a year-to-date basis. In January–July, China imported 10.29 mln tons of US soybeans, down 38% year-on-year. In contrast, imports from Brazil increased by 5.4% to 44.53 mln tons.

Trade tensions between Beijing and Washington last year prompted Chinese buyers to delay purchases of the new US crop. After trade talks resumed, China purchased around 12 mln tons of US soybeans, although this volume remains well below levels seen before the trade war.

Chinese purchases of US soybeans have also accelerated this year. According to traders cited by Reuters, China has bought more than 7 mln tons of US soybeans since the May meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. The agreement requiring China to purchase 25 mln tons of US soybeans annually through 2028 remains in place.

Tags: China, soybean, USA