BRAZIL DOMINATES CHINESE SOYBEAN MARKET IN EARLY 2025

Chinese buyers have secured nearly all of their soybean purchases from Brazil for the first quarter of 2025, with Brazil now supplying 74% of China’s soybeans, up from 46% in 2016. The shift from U.S. to Brazilian soybeans is due to Brazil’s price advantage, with Brazilian beans priced at $420 per ton compared to $451 for U.S. beans. This change is also driven by Brazil’s record crop, favorable weather, and a weaker currency. While the shift impacts U.S. exports during their peak season, Brazil’s competitive pricing has led Chinese importers to purchase early. Despite this, China’s soybean imports in Q1 2025 are expected to decline due to oversupply in 2024. Tensions surrounding trade policies, particularly Trump’s threats, have intensified concerns, but Brazilian soybeans remain the favored choice.
Source: Reuters / Datamar News