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China's August soybean imports still on same pace as last year

China imported 12.14 million metric tons of soybeans in August 2026 as monthly soybean imports continued at almost exactly the same pace as last year. The August volume is slightly behind the year-earlier total of 12.28 mmt. 

China customs data.

Cumulative soybean imports for January-August 2026 totaled 73.77 million metric tons, slightly ahead of the 73.33 mmt imported during the same period last year. 

Brazil's soybean exports began their seasonal drop with 7 mmt exported to China in August, according to preliminary data from Brazil's Comex. That was down from 7.93 mmt exported to China in August 2025. China was the destination for 72% of Brazilian soybeans exported in August. Cumulative Brazilian exports to China for January-August total 64.7 mmt versus 65.85 mmt during the same months in 2025. 

Preliminary data from Brazil's Comex.

Brazil's exports of soybeans to other destinations are ahead of last year's. Brazil exported 2.8 mmt to non-China destinations in August versus 1.4 mmt a year earlier. Cumulative exports to non-China destinations in 2026 total 28.0 mmt versus 20.7 mmt a year ago. Top non-China destinations in August included the EU, Thailand, Pakistan, and Mexico. 

Preliminary data from Brazil's Comex.


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