January 19, 2026

China brings in 111.8 million tonnes of soybeans last year

China imported 111.8 million tonnes of soybeans in 2025, marking a 6.5% increase from the previous year, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs (GAC) on January 14.

In December alone, the country brought in 8.044 million tonnes of soybean, according to the GAC data.

The figures demonstrate China's continued dominant role in global soybean trade, said a Chinese expert. The country imported an average of 61% of the world's available soybean supplies over the last five years and it has been the top buyer of US soybeans for years, the Xinhua News Agency reported, citing the American Soybean Association.

The imports come as China has actively diversified its supplier base, with Brazil maintaining its position as the dominant supplier. In April, 2025, China signed soybean purchase contracts with Brazil totaling at least 2.4 million tonnes - nearly one-third of the country's average monthly soybean imports, the National Business Daily reported.

China has been a top destination for Brazilian soybean exports over the years, taking about 70-80% of the country's total exports, with huge potential remaining for future cooperation, Maurício Buffon, president of the Brazilian Soybeans Growers Association (Aprosoja Brasil), said in an interview with the Global Times.

Customs data showed that in 2024, China imported a total of 105 million tonnes of soybeans. Brazilian soybeans accounted for about 71% of the import, while US soybeans accounted for about 21%.

Additionally, imports of Argentine soybeans reached 4.1 million tonnes, doubling from 2023.

- Global Times