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

June 12, 2026, 12:36 PM

LYDD-Global

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China's May soybean imports fell 15.3% year-on-year to 11.79 million tonnes, yet exceeded market expectations, marking the second-highest volume in history for the month. Analysts attributed the boost to cargo delays from April and improved customs clearance efficiency, reducing the cycle to 10-14 days, down from approximately 25 days previously. While cumulative imports for the first five months of 2023 slightly decreased by 0.4%, robust soybean exports from Brazil were key drivers. Brazil exported 14.83 million tonnes, with most of it destined for China, fueling strong May arrivals. Traders are monitoring potential large-scale purchases of US soybeans, although no major procurement actions have occurred following a trade framework agreement in mid-May. This dynamic is impacting Chicago soybean futures, which are nearing a four-month low.

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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