China’s soybean purchases from the United States have swung sharply: U.S. exports to China were valued at $12.3 billion in 2017, reached 5.2 million metric tons in the first quarter of 2025, and then saw arrivals fall to zero from September through December 2025. As of February 26, 2026, USDA reported 10.8 million metric tons purchased or shipped toward a 12-million-metric-ton commitment. Those figures describe different measures and stages of trade—not a like-for-like annual series or proof that the commitment was fully delivered.
What the export figures show—and what they do not
The public figures available for these periods answer different questions. The 2017 benchmark is export value in dollars; the 2025 observations are physical volumes in metric tons; and the February 2026 figure combines purchases or shipments recorded toward a commitment. A sale, a shipment, an arrival, and a government-announced commitment are not interchangeable.
| Period and source | Measure | Reported U.S. soybean trade with China | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calendar year 2017; USDA Economic Research Service, published 2019 | Export value | $12.3 billion | Value, not a tonnage figure; USDA said soybeans made up 63% of U.S. agricultural exports to China that year. |
| First quarter 2025; USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, May 29, 2025 report | Export volume | 5.2 million metric tons | 41% below first-quarter 2024 and down from 16.1 million metric tons in the previous quarter. |
| September–December 2025; USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, 2026 China report | Arrivals | Zero U.S. soybean arrivals | The report says high tariffs imposed in April curtailed trade during this period. |
| As of February 26, 2026; USDA Foreign Agricultural Service export-sales data cited in its 2026 China report | Purchases or shipments toward a commitment | 10.8 million metric tons toward 12 million metric tons | A dated progress snapshot, not a final fulfillment figure. |
The USDA figures do not provide a complete, consistently measured 2016–2025 calendar-year volume series. The benchmarks above therefore show selected points, not annual totals that can be compared directly across the whole period.
How the pattern changed from 2017 to the 2026 commitment snapshot
2017: a value baseline during heavy reliance on China
In 2017, U.S. soybean exports to China were worth $12.3 billion, accounting for 63% of U.S. agricultural exports to that market, according to USDA ERS. China represented 65% of global soybean imports that year. Brazil’s soybean exports to China were valued at $20.3 billion—nearly 88% of Brazil’s agricultural exports to China. These are trade values, not export volumes, so they cannot establish how many more or fewer tons one country sold than the other.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- High Yield Bush Growth: midori giant edamame seeds form 24-36 inch nitrogen-fixing bushes, rewarding vegetable garden growers in USDA 3-9 with crunchy pods rich in complete protein.
- Fast Germination: soybean seeds for planting sprout in 5-10 days at 70-90 °F, letting home garden beginners harvest tender edamame in just 80 days while heirloom seeds thrive in loamy soil.
- Nutrient-Rich Snack: soy beans deliver sweet nutty flavor and buttery texture; boil or freeze for soy-protein snacks, soy bean seeds to plant are ideal for survival gardening fans seeking clean non gmo edamame.
- Easy Direct Sow: edamame seeds for planting outdoors need 1" depth and 12" spacing, no trellis required; bush habit suits containers or raised beds, making veggie seeds ideal for small spaces.
- Disease-Smart Cultivation: edamame seeds to plant resist common pests when grown in full sun and evenly moist soil; gardening kit growers mulch to conserve water and pick bright green pods before they yellow.
The figures illustrate why a disruption in Chinese buying can matter to exporters: China was a dominant destination, and soybeans were central to both U.S. and Brazilian agricultural trade with China. They are a historical baseline, not a current snapshot of either country’s sales.
Early 2025: shipments were already lower
USDA AMS reported 5.2 million metric tons of U.S. soybean exports to China in January–March 2025. That was 41% below the volume in January–March 2024 and far below the 16.1 million metric tons reported in October–December 2024. The quarter-to-quarter comparison captures a sharp change, but it does not by itself identify how much came from tariffs, seasonal buying, prices, freight, or other factors.
Rank #2
- Your hunt is in the bag - we deliver more quality seed for your money!
- Certified seed for maximum growth and attractant
- 1 bag (5 lbs) plants approximately 1/10 acre
- High protein and highly preferred forage for deer
- Non-GMO - ideal for mixing with other food plot seeds
Late 2025: arrivals stopped, then purchases resumed
USDA FAS’s 2026 China report says U.S. soybean arrivals fell to zero from September through December 2025 after high tariffs imposed in April curtailed trade. The report also says purchases resumed after the October 2025 presidential meeting in Busan and a trade and economic deal that suspended certain retaliatory measures. A return to purchasing does not mean that shipments or arrivals immediately returned to earlier levels.
February 2026: progress was reported, not completion
As of February 26, 2026, USDA FAS reported 10.8 million metric tons purchased or shipped toward a 12-million-metric-ton commitment. The same report identified another 2.19 million metric tons sold to “Unknown” destinations, but said those sales were not confirmed as China-bound. They should not be added to China’s confirmed progress figure.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
- Beautiful - Large full-color packet of Chiba Green Soybean (glycine max) seeds. These useful legumes have deep roots that fix nitrogen to the soil and help the plants survive heat and dry periods. Excellent cover crop and food source for a variety of animals such as deer, cattle, rabbits and chickens. Minimum of 13 g per packet (about 40 seeds).
- Productive - Chiba Green Soybean germinates in 10-14 days when soil temps are 65-75°F. Plant 1” deep and space 4-6” apart in an area with full sun. This variety will grow 1-3’ tall with a spread of 12-16”. Beans will mature in 65-75 days, plant in USDA zones 3-10.
- Good Eats - Harvest when pods are green and enjoy edamame or allow the pods to dry and shell to eat them boiled or steamed.
- Easy to Grow - Instructions included on each packet. Plus, we are available to answer all your questions. If these seeds don’t germinate, we will happily make it right for you.
- Safe and Sustainable - Our operation is fully solar powered, and Sow Right Seeds has taken the Safe Seed Pledge to sell only fresh Non-GMO heirloom seeds for you and your family.
The report separately describes an additional 8-million-metric-ton commitment announced in early February. It is distinct from the earlier 12-million-metric-ton commitment; the cited snapshot does not establish that the additional commitment was fulfilled. Neither commitment should be treated as a completed delivery.
Why China can switch suppliers
China’s soybean demand is linked in part to crushing beans into meal for livestock feed and oil. When U.S. beans become less competitive because of tariffs or relative prices, importers can shift orders toward Brazil or other origins. The result is a redirection of trade: the same broad Chinese demand may be served by a different exporter.
Rank #4
- Productive - Chiba Green Soybean germinates in 10-14 days when soil temps are 65-75°F. Plant 1” deep and space 4-6” apart in an area with full sun. This variety will grow 1-3’ tall with a spread of 12-16”. Beans will mature in 65-75 days, plant in USDA zones 3-10.
- Good Eats - Harvest when pods are green and enjoy edamame or allow the pods to dry and shell to eat them boiled or steamed.
- Easy to Grow - Instructions included on each packet. Plus, we are available to answer all your questions. If these seeds don’t germinate, we will happily make it right for you.
- Safe and Sustainable - Our operation is fully solar powered, and Sow Right Seeds has taken the Safe Seed Pledge to sell only fresh Non-GMO heirloom seeds for you and your family.
Supplier choice depends on the delivered economics, not just the quoted price at origin. USDA AMS’s 2025 transportation report compares landed costs and transport shares, while USDA FAS’s 2026 China report says South American prices continued to favor South American origins during the period it describes, with Brazil’s new-crop prices significantly below U.S. origin prices. Tariffs, freight, timing, and the cost of moving beans to a Chinese buyer all affect competitiveness.
That competition helps explain why a commitment can matter to U.S. exporters without guaranteeing a lasting change in China’s sourcing mix. USDA FAS also reports that the Chinese government continued efforts to diversify import origins. Brazil, the United States, and Argentina remain the three major suppliers identified in the report.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsBest Value
- HEIRLOOM VARIETY & HIGH YIELD: Outsidepride soy bean seeds is a robust heirloom strain known for its high yield, producing over 3 bushels per acre more than the popular Manokin variety, making it a valuable choice for maximizing harvest output. This variety is perfect for outdoor gardening enthusiasts looking to optimize their yard space.
- RICH IN PROTEIN & OIL WITH VERSATILE USES: Containing about 18% oil and 38% protein, this soybean variety is perfect for producing high-quality soy bean oil and protein-rich meal. These soybeans can be processed into a wide range of products, including soy milk powder, soy flour, soy protein, tofu, and various industrial non-food products, showcasing its versatility. Ideal for making various soy-based meals such as edamame snacks.
- OPTIMAL PLANTING GUIDELINES FOR MAXIMUM YIELD: For best results, plant soybean seeds at a depth of 0.75 to 1.5 inches, with row spacing between 7.5 and 15 inches, depending on soil type and tillage. This ensures uniform seed placement and optimal growth, adapting well to midwestern states and capturing a significant percentage of non-GMO acres.
- HIGH-PROTEIN ANIMAL FEED: The high-protein fiber left after oil extraction is ideal for animal feed, particularly for poultry and swine industries, which consume over half of the processed soybean meal. This meal is also crucial for cattle, other farm animals, and pets, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for growth and development. A great addition to feed mixes for cowpeas and other legumes.
- ECONOMIC AND NUTRITIONAL: As the most economically important bean globally, soybeans provide essential vegetable protein for millions and are key ingredients in hundreds of chemical products. A 60-pound bushel of our soybeans seed yields about 11 pounds of crude soybean oil and 47 pounds of soybean meal. Beneficial for producing shelf-stable goods for long-term use.
How large could the market be over the longer term?
USDA ERS’s February 2025 long-term projections describe a growing global import market and continued concentration of export supply. These are scenario-based forecasts from the USDA’s 2025 baseline, not observed outcomes or guarantees.
| Measure | USDA projection | Period and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| World soybean imports | 221.9 million metric tons, an increase of 37.5 million metric tons or 20.3% | By 2034/35, compared with the 2025/26 baseline. |
| China soybean imports | Rise from 112.5 million to 140.4 million metric tons | From 2025/26 to 2034/35; USDA cites demand for soybean meal in growing hog and poultry sectors as part of the outlook. |
| Brazil soybean exports | 137.0 million metric tons | Projected level by 2034/35. |
| U.S. share of global soybean exports | Falls from 27.8% to 25.9%, while U.S. export volume rises to 57.4 million metric tons | Share comparison from 2025/26 to 2034/35; the projected volume is for 2034/35. |
| Brazil, United States, and Argentina combined | Almost 90% of global soybean exports | Projected combined share by 2034/35. |
The projections point to Brazil’s scale and the continued importance of the three leading suppliers. They do not predict which origin will fill a particular Chinese order in a particular year.
What can—and cannot—be concluded about global market effects
A shift in China’s purchases can change which exporters serve its market, how much U.S. or South American supply is available to other buyers, and the competitive pressure on prices and freight. Brazil’s large export capacity gives China a substantial alternative when U.S. supply is less attractive. If tariffs or landed-cost differences change, sourcing incentives can change too.
The cited USDA figures do not isolate the effect of one trade deal on global soybean prices. They establish selected export and arrival observations, a dated commitment-progress snapshot, supplier competition, and longer-term projections. They do not show that the commitment caused a particular price move or that its reported progress translated into a specific final shipment total.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
