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Based on U.S. soybean export data to China for the first nine months of 2025, from trade statistics published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the U.S. Census Bureau. U.S Export Sales
The distribution of U.S. soybean exports across various global markets, highlighting the significant role of China as a primary destination. ASA
U.S. soybean exports to China, usually the country’s biggest buyer, collapsed in 2025, with no exports in May.
Trade tensions and U.S. tariffs have pushed China to buy more from Brazil and Argentina, leaving smaller buyers like Vietnam and Bangladesh unable to fill the gap. Farmers are struggling, with some in Illinois losing up to $64 per acre, while unsold soybeans pile up and prices drop. The government plans support through the Farm Credit Bureau, and upcoming trade talks between Trump and Xi Jinping could affect future sales. The charts show monthly exports to China and the global distribution of U.S. soybean exports, shows how reliant farmers are on a single market and could lead to extremely serious problems.
References:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service. (n.d.). U.S. export sales of soybeans. https://apps.fas.usda.gov/export-sales/soybeans.htm
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service. (n.d.). Export Sales Query System. https://apps.fas.usda.gov/esrquery/esrq.aspx
Reuters. (2025, October 3). US soybean farmers, deserted by big buyer China, scramble for other importers. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/us-soybean-farmers-deserted-by-big-buyer-china-scramble-other-importers-2025-10-03/