China now buys 61% of the world’s traded soybeans, finds new Agri Markets 360 report

Shipbroker IFCHOR GALBRAITHS has launched Agri Markets 360, a new annual research report providing comprehensive analysis of global agricultural trade, export flows, logistics and shipping demand across the world’s major agricultural markets.

China’s growing reliance on imported food, South America’s expanding dominance in agricultural exports and mounting geopolitical risks around fertiliser supply are reshaping global agricultural trade and will lead to 2.3% growth in global agricultural trade, according to the latest Agri Markets 360 report launched yesterday (6 July).

The new annual research publication examines the physical movement of the world’s most important agricultural commodities, covering wheat, corn, barley, soybeans and soymeal across major exporting and importing nations.

Among the report’s key findings:

- Brazil and Argentina now account for almost 40% of global seaborne exports of soybeans, corn, wheat and soymeal.

- China remains the world’s largest agricultural importer, accounting for 19% of global trade and 61% of all soybean imports.

- Global agricultural exports are projected to grow by an average of 2.3% annually over the next five years.

- The US-China trade dispute accelerated China’s shift towards South American suppliers, reinforcing Brazil’s position as the dominant soybean exporter.

Unlike traditional agricultural reports focused primarily on production, consumption and pricing, Agri 360 analyses the entire export chain, connecting crop production, inland logistics, ports, trade flows and shipping demand.

Serena Piazzo, author of Agri Markets 360 and Dry Bulk Research Analyst at IFCHOR GALBRAITHS, said: “In today’s environment, agricultural trade flows are as much a geopolitical issue as an economic one. Food security concerns, trade disputes, sanctions and regional conflicts increasingly determine how agricultural commodities move across the globe. Agri Markets 360 was designed to provide a clearer understanding of these dynamics and their impact on export volumes, freight demand and global supply chains.”

The report includes detailed analysis of Brazil, Argentina, the United States, Russia, Ukraine, Australia, Canada, France, Romania and Bulgaria, alongside a comprehensive global market assessment.

The launch follows the successful introduction of Iron Ore 360 and forms part of IFCHOR GALBRAITHS’ growing 360 series of commodity intelligence products.