CHINA TO FAVOUR BRAZILIAN SOYBEAN IMPORTS IN H1 DESPITE RENEWED U.S. INFLOWS

China is set to increase imports of Brazilian soybeans in the first half of 2026, driven by record South American harvests and cheaper prices, reinforcing Brazil’s dominance despite a partial return of U.S. supplies. Chinese private crushers are locking in Brazilian shipments from February onward, as lower tariffs and favorable crush margins make them far more competitive than U.S. soybeans. While China has bought limited U.S. volumes via state-owned firms to maintain political ties, higher prices and a 13% tariff restrict broader demand. With Brazil forecast to produce a record 182.2 million tons in 2025/26 and export more to China, analysts expect Brazilian shipments to China to exceed last year’s levels between March and June.
Source: Reuters / Datamar News