Panamax demand to surge as China returns to US soybean market

Demand for Panamax vessels is expected to increase after China resumes purchases of US soybeans, shipping broker Braemar said. The company estimates that this long-term trade flow will increase demand for Panamax over the next two months and into the first quarter of 2026.

Earlier, a boycott by Chinese importers led to a 35% decline in US soybean exports in 2025, Braemar said. The resumption of supplies means not only an increase in trade volumes, but also an increase in long-distance shipping.

According to Braemar, confidence in stable demand is reinforced by the statement of US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant that China has agreed to purchase at least 12 million tons of soybeans by January 2026. This creates the prerequisites for market recovery and stabilization of prices for US soybeans.

Tags: soybean, USA