China bought roughly two-thirds of the US soybeans it had pledged to purchase by the end of 2025, according to trade and agriculture data. The buying helped sustain exports but did not fully meet earlier expectations set during trade discussions.
Purchases increased toward the end of the year as Chinese importers took advantage of competitive prices and supply availability. However, the overall volume still fell short of initial targets, raising questions among US producers about longer-term demand reliability.
Analysts say China has continued to diversify its soybean sourcing strategy, balancing purchases from the United States with supplies from other exporters. This approach is seen as part of a broader effort to manage food security while reducing exposure to trade and geopolitical risks.
For US farmers, the shortfall underscores ongoing uncertainty despite strong late-year buying. Agricultural groups note that while China remains a critical market, future demand will likely depend on global prices, domestic Chinese needs, and the broader trade relationship between the two countries.
