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On January 19, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed private sales of 297,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans to China. The announcement was the first China-directed soybean sales announcement since December 15, 2023; it was not proof that the soybeans had shipped.
What USDA announced
USDA confirmed that private exporters had reported sales of 297,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans for delivery to China. Reuters reported the announcement on January 19, 2024. It was a booking reported to USDA, not confirmation of a completed shipment.
The phrase “since mid-December” refers to the previous China-directed announcement on December 15, 2023. Reuters also made a separate comparison under USDA’s daily reporting rules: the January announcement was the first such announcement since December 19. These dates describe different measures, not a contradiction.
Why the sale drew attention
The booking arrived as U.S. soybeans faced competition from Brazilian supplies and pressure in futures markets. Reuters reported that CBOT soybean futures had fallen 6% since the start of 2024 and that the benchmark contract dipped to $12.01 per bushel that week before stabilizing in early Friday trading. Those figures describe the market in January 2024, not current prices.
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Brazilian crop prospects had improved after drought, although production remained uncertain. Reuters said analysts and exporters were offering Brazilian soybeans for February and later shipment at prices at least $1.50 per bushel below U.S. soybeans. The report also noted that USDA’s January 12 estimates for U.S. 2023/24 production, ending stocks and December 1 stockpiles were higher than most trade expectations, easing concerns about supply.
China’s buying position in the 2023/24 marketing year
At the time of the report, China had booked 20.2 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans for marketing year 2023/24, which began September 1. At the same point in the prior marketing year, bookings were 27.2 million metric tons. Reuters also reported USDA’s projection that China would import 102 million metric tons of soybeans in 2023/24, compared with 100.85 million in 2022/23. These are dated bookings and projections reported in January 2024, not later verified totals.
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Reuters cited a downturn in China’s hog sector as one possible factor behind weaker import demand in the first quarter of 2024. It did not establish that this factor caused the difference in U.S. bookings.
Timing does not establish a cause
The announcement came one day after U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met China’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tang Renjian. The timing is notable, but Reuters reported no evidence that the meeting caused the sale.
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How this differs from later China trade figures
Later figures concern a separate trade arrangement, not the January 2024 booking. A USDA Foreign Agricultural Service China post report said China had resumed U.S. soybean purchases following an October 2025 meeting and trade arrangement. As of February 26, 2026, FAS export-sales data indicated China had purchased or shipped 10.8 million metric tons toward a 12 million metric ton commitment.
The same report listed another 2.19 million metric tons for “unknown” destinations; it said that volume was not confirmed as bound for China. The China post forecast imports of 108 million metric tons for marketing year 2026/27, while explicitly noting that its forecasts and revised estimates are not official USDA data. Neither figure should be combined with the 297,000 metric tons reported in January 2024.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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.
