According to China’s General Administration of Customs, imports reached 4.02 million tonnes in March, compared to 3.5 million tonnes a year earlier. However, this figure fell well short of analysts’ estimates of around 6.4 million tonnes.
Experts attribute the shortfall to delays in Brazilian shipments, where Chinese authorities intensified inspections for pesticide and fungicide residues, grain damage and pests. This has slowed the arrival of cargoes at Chinese ports.
In total, China imported 16.58 million tonnes of soybeans in the first quarter of 2026, down 3.1% compared to the same period last year.
At the same time, analysts expect imports to recover in the coming months. From April to June, arrivals are projected to exceed 10 million tonnes per month, supported by increased shipments from the United States and the arrival of Brazil’s record harvest.
Stable demand from the livestock sector, particularly feed producers, is expected to support the market, although prices are likely to remain volatile.
Geopolitical factors add further uncertainty, as market participants await the outcome of upcoming talks between the United States and China, which could influence future purchases of U.S. soybeans.
Overall, despite short-term logistical constraints, China continues to demonstrate strong demand for soybeans as a key input for the feed industry.
PigUA.info, based on thepigsite.com