China imports 10 million tons US soybeans as of January 2026

By early January 2026, total confirmed purchases US soybeans were estimated at 10 million tons. Despite efforts to reduce soybean meal in animal feed, China’s reliance on imports remains high, over 80% to support its livestock and aquaculture sectors.  

In 2026, China's increased imports of U.S. soybeans are primarily driven by Structural Demand: Despite efforts to reduce soybean meal in animal feed, China’s reliance on imports remains high-over 80%-to support its livestock and aquaculture sectors.

By early January 2026, total confirmed purchases for the current crop were estimated at 10 million tons, putting China on track.

Look at this recent article from (Reuters) –

China's state stockpiler Sinograin bought 10 U.S. soybean cargoes this week. The cargoes, with overall U.S. soybean purchases now approaching 10 million tons, the traders said.

In December, Sinograin held three public auctions to make room for U.S. shipments amid ample domestic supplies. Traders had expected Sinograin to sell around 4 million metric tons in the auctions.

"There were more U.S. cargoes bought by Sinograin and total purchases are very close to 10 million tons," said one of the traders.....See more from Reuters here  

In summery, in 2026, China's increased imports of U.S. soybeans. Despite efforts to reduce soybean meal in animal feed, China’s reliance on imports remains high—over 80%—to support its livestock and aquaculture sectors.

As of January 2026, China's soybean imports from the U.S. for the 2025/2026. Total Purchases to Date: Analysts and traders estimate China's total purchases of U.S. soybeans from the 2025/2026 crop nearly 10 million metric tons (MMT) as of January 6, 2026, reflecting a sharp increase in activity during the final quarter

Most currently booked cargoes are scheduled for shipment between December 2025 and March 2026, with some recently confirmed sales slated for as late as May 2026.

China to rely heavily on South American suppliers, with Brazil exporting a record 79 MMT to China between January and October 2025.

Here is getting exciting:

China's soybean procurement from the U.S. will surge in 2026, demand is high.  Meanwhile, China state importers like Sinograin playing an important role for bringing US soybeans into China.