China has suspended imports of U.S. soybeans for the first time in seven years, effectively severing American farmers from their biggest international buyer.

In September, China recorded zero soybean imports from the U.S.—a first since November 2018—while purchases from South America rose sharply compared to last year, as Chinese buyers avoided American shipments due to the continuous trade tensions between the two global economic powers.

According to data released Monday by China’s General Administration of Customs, soybean imports from the U.S. dropped to zero last month, down from 1.7 million metric tons during the same period last year.
The decline is attributed to steep tariffs China has placed on U.S. goods, along with the fact that earlier-harvested American soybeans—referred to as old-crop beans—have already been sold. China remains the world’s largest importer of soybeans.

In September, China imported 12.87 million metric tons of soybeans, marking its second-largest monthly volume ever. Shipments from Brazil surged 29.9% compared to the previous year, reaching 10.96 million tons and making up 85.2% of China’s total imports. Meanwhile, Argentina’s exports to China soared by 91.5%, totaling 1.17 million tons, which represented 9% of the overall intake.

Trade talks between Beijing and Washington seem to be resuming following several weeks of renewed tariff threats and export restrictions. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Sunday, saying he believed a soybean agreement would eventually be reached.
Still, without concrete progress in negotiations, American farmers risk suffering billions in losses as Chinese buyers continue to favor South American suppliers. At the same time, China could encounter a supply shortage early next year before Brazil’s fresh harvest becomes available.

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