Wedoany.com Report-Jun 28, China’s soybean imports from Brazil increased by 37.5% in May 2025 compared to the previous year, driven by abundant South American harvests, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs on June 20, 2025. Imports from the United States also grew by 28.3% during the same period, reflecting strong global supply chains.

In May, China, the world’s largest soybean buyer, imported 12.11 million metric tons from Brazil, up from 8.81 million tons a year earlier. Shipments from the US reached 1.63 million tons, compared to 1.27 million tons in May 2024, accounting for 11.7% of China’s total soybean imports for the month. Total imports hit a record 13.92 million metric tons, more than doubling April’s 6.08 million tons, which had been a 10-year low due to delayed customs clearances.

Liu Jinlu, an agricultural researcher at Guoyuan Futures, noted: “The arrival of some previously delayed cargoes in May partially contributed to the higher import numbers.” Improved customs processing and increased activity at crushing plants also supported the surge in May imports.

From January to May 2025, Brazil supplied 21.25 million tons of soybeans to China, a 14.0% decrease from the same period in 2024. In contrast, US shipments totaled 14.57 million tons, marking a 34.3% increase year-on-year. Imports from Argentina during the five-month period amounted to 111,603 tons, down 47.5% from the previous year, with no recorded arrivals in May.

The significant rise in May imports reflects China’s robust demand for soybeans, primarily used for animal feed and edible oil production. The record-high monthly imports highlight the recovery of logistics and processing operations, ensuring a steady supply for domestic needs. Brazil remains China’s primary soybean supplier, leveraging its substantial crop yields, while the US continues to play a key role in meeting market demand.