China’s May Soybean Imports Hit 11.79 Million Tonnes, Second Highest on Record

June 12, 2026

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China's soybean imports in May totaled 11.79 million tonnes, a 15.3% decrease from the previous year, but surpassed market expectations of 11 million tonnes. The surge was largely attributed to delayed shipments from April, reflecting improved customs clearance efficiency. Brazil emerged as a key supplier, with its soybean exports to China increasing by 5.1% year-on-year. Despite these trends, cumulative soybean imports for January-May saw a slight 0.4% dip compared to last year. Analysts project steady monthly arrivals of 10-11 million tonnes through the summer, maintaining sufficient domestic supply. Meanwhile, China has not resumed significant purchases of US soybeans post-agreement on bilateral agricultural trade, causing bearish sentiment in Chicago soybean futures. Stay updated on how these import trends shape global markets.

China’s soybean arrivals in May fell year-on-year yet far exceeded market expectations, marking the second highest volume for the month in history.

Data released by the General Administration of Customs on Tuesday showed that China imported a total of 11.79 million tonnes of soybeans in May. The figure represented a 15.3% drop from 13.92 million tonnes in the same period last year, but was notably above the market forecast of around 11 million tonnes.

Analysts explained that the robust May arrivals were partly attributable to cargoes delayed from April due to slow customs clearance, rather than a full rebound in actual domestic demand.

Traders and analysts added that the customs clearance cycle for soybeans has been shortened to 10 to 14 days, down from around 25 days previously. The remarkable improvement in clearance efficiency has effectively eased port congestion and accelerated the flow of imported soybeans into the domestic market.

In the first five months of this year, China’s cumulative soybean imports stood at 36.94 million tonnes, a slight decrease of 0.4% compared with 37.11 million tonnes a year earlier. Market participants projected that monthly soybean arrivals will stay between 10 million and 11 million tonnes from June to August, ensuring ample domestic supply in the second and third quarters.

Strong soybean exports from Brazil were the main driver behind China’s better-than-expected May imports. Official Brazilian data indicated that the country exported 14.83 million tonnes of soybeans in May, rising 5.1% year-on-year, with the bulk destined for China.

Meanwhile, traders are closely watching for signs of China resuming large-scale purchases of US soybeans. The two countries reached a framework agreement on agricultural trade during a leaders’ meeting in mid-May, but no major procurement activities have been seen since then. The absence of Chinese buying has weighed on Chicago soybean futures, which neared a four-month low on Tuesday.

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China’s May Soybean Imports Hit 11.79 Million Tonnes, Second Highest on Record