Bloomberg’s Ben Westcott reported that “China’s purchases of American soybeans appear to have stalled, less than two weeks after the US touted a wide-ranging trade truce that signaled thawing relations between the world’s two biggest economies.”
“After a flurry of orders late last month — which were the first of this season — Chinese imports of US cargoes seem to have faltered, according to traders who asked not to be identified discussing confidential information. They said they were not aware of new shipments,” Westcott reported. “The pause is fueling uncertainty over whether the biggest consumer of American soybeans will import as much as US President Donald Trump’s administration claims to expect.”
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Trade deal targets in doubt
Washington previously stated, notes Bloomberg, that China committed to importing 12 million tonnes of US soybeans by December and 25 million tonnes annually for the next three years.
Yet, traders with knowledge of recent activity say they haven’t seen new purchases since the initial wave in October.
Though Beijing hasn’t publicly confirmed those exact numbers, it has taken steps to show goodwill. Import tariffs on American soybeans were lowered, and bans were lifted on three US exporters, including CHS Inc.
These measures came after the US took similar steps to ease tensions in recent trade negotiations. Industry insiders, however, view the 12-million-tonne commitment as more symbolic than practical.
With the bulk of recent Chinese buying focused on South American beans, especially from Brazil, experts say demand from China for US soybeans will likely remain subdued.
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https://invezz.com/news/2025/11/12/chinas-soybean-demand-for-us-slows-despite-trade-breakthrough/