US expands soybean sustainability certification as exports to China decline

The US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) plans to increase the share of US soybean production verified as sustainable to 80% by the end of 2026. The expansion of the program is intended to help US suppliers diversify export markets amid shifting global demand and lower shipments to China.

The Sustainable US Soy program has been in place for 14 years. As of September 2026, nearly 1,000 products worldwide carried the label, while more than 150 companies participated in the program. Whole soybean products must contain at least 90% certified sustainable US soy to qualify for the label, while food and feed products must contain at least 60%.

The stronger focus on certification comes amid a sharp decline in US soybean exports to China. In September–July 2025/26, the US shipped 12.36 mln tons of soybeans to China, down from 22.66 mln tons a year earlier and 31.01 mln tons during the same period of 2022/23.

USSEC sees verified sustainable production, a lower carbon footprint and production practices as factors that can improve the competitiveness of US soybeans. The organization plans to expand the program through professional training and support for companies marketing certified products.

At the same time, the price competitiveness of US soybeans improved in the second half of the year. While US soybeans were more expensive than Brazilian supplies for much of the first half of 2026, the relationship reversed in June. On September 11, Platts assessed SOYBEX FOB New Orleans for October shipment at $522.31/t, compared with $532.99/t FOB Santos.

Tags: China, export, soybean, USA, certification