• China imported no soybeans from the US in September, a historic first since 2018.
• Total Chinese soybean imports reached 12.87 million metric tons, driven mainly by South American suppliers.
• Brazil and Argentina significantly increased shipments, filling the void left by US beans.
• Trade tensions amplify as US tariffs and export restrictions lead to a halt of soybean purchases.
• Chinese officials leverage soybean purchases as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations with the US.

In an unprecedented turn, China imported no soybeans from the United States in September, the first time since November 2018 that shipments have fallen to zero. This absence occurs amid escalating trade tensions, with current tariffs and high US prices leading buyers to turn to South America for their soybean needs, according to SCMP and India Times.

During September, China's total soybean imports reached 12.87 million metric tons, which is the second-highest monthly total on record, with Brazilian shipments accounting for 85.5 percent of these imports, marking a 29.9 percent increase year-on-year. Imports from Argentina surged by 91.5 percent, underscoring the country’s role as a key provider as US beans vanish from the market, according to Channel News Asia and Anadolu Agency.

The sharp decline in US soybean imports is attributed to lingering tariffs and the depletion of older US soybean supplies, which typically would still enter the market during this time. This situation presents a significant challenge for American farmers who face losing their largest overseas customer just as the autumn harvest begins, as noted by analysts from Anadolu Agency and India Times.

Beijing is reportedly using soybean purchases as leverage in ongoing trade negotiations with the US, a strategy that appears to be working as officials believe they can secure favorable terms by withholding orders. The potential supply crunch from reduced US imports raises concerns about China's food security, leading some analysts to suggest the country may need to rely on state reserves to meet their near-term needs, as highlighted by Channel News Asia and SCMP.