Soybean imports to China reached 75.5 million tons in the first eight months of 2026, indicating a 4.0 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The United States, with a 16.2 percent market share, is considered one of the main suppliers of soybeans to China.
Trends in Soybean Exports from the United States and Argentina
According to statistics, soybean exports from the United States from January to August 2026 increased by 30.9 percent to 19.3 million tons. Meanwhile, Argentina's exports decreased to 3.4 million tons, and the country's share of the global market has dropped to 2.8 percent. Additionally, Brazil exported 57.0 million tons of soybeans to China during this period, accounting for 75.5 percent of total soybean imports to China.
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Main Soybean Discharge Destinations in China
In 2025, the main soybean discharge ports in China were: Rizhao with 9.6 million tons, Machong with 7.4 million tons, and Tianjin with 7.2 million tons. Among these, 93.1 percent of soybean imports to China were loaded onto Panamax ships. These statistics indicate China's high dependence on soybean imports from various countries, especially Brazil and the United States.
Considering the soybean harvest season, Brazil's exports mainly occur in the spring from February to July, which could impact China's import statistics. At the same time, U.S. exports typically peak in the fall and are expected to see increased commercial activity in the winter.
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