New buying activity supports farmers amid trade agreement expectations
China has increased its purchases of soybeans from the United States as part of a renewed trade agreement between the two countries. Reports indicate that China has bought at least 8 million tons of U.S. soybeans, helping move toward a commitment to purchase 12 million tons during the current sales period.
State-owned buyers in China have continued booking shipments through late December. These shipments are scheduled mainly for loading between December and March. The buying activity has reassured American exporters who were uncertain about China’s follow-through on earlier trade commitments.
Following trade discussions, the Chinese government reduced tariffs on U.S. soybeans and lifted import restrictions on several American exporters. These changes made U.S. soybeans more competitive in the Chinese market and encouraged renewed buying interest.
However, soybean shipments from the United States have not yet fully appeared in China’s customs records. For several months, China relied heavily on soybeans from South American suppliers such as Brazil and Argentina. Some commercial buyers in China have remained cautious and limited their U.S. purchases.