China imported no soybeans from the United States for a third straight month in November, as buyers turned to South American supplies amid fears of a shortfall if the trade war with Washington dragged on.

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U.S. soybean imports fell to zero in November from 2.79 million metric tons a year earlier, data from China’s General Administration of Customs showed on Saturday.

Arrivals from Brazil jumped 48.5% year on year to 5.85 million tons, accounting for 72% of total imports, while shipments from Argentina rose 633.6% to 1.78 million tons, or 21.9% of the total.

The world’s top soybean buyer imported 8.11 million metric tons in November and 103.79 million tons in the first 11 months, putting full-year arrivals on track for a record amid strong purchases from South America and a trade truce with Washington. (CNC-SOY-IMP)

From January to November, China imported 76.7 million tons from Brazil, up 7% year-on-year, and 6.24 million tons from Argentina, up 62.5% year-on-year.

U.S. soybean imports fell 5.9% year-on-year to 16.82 million tons from January to November.

China has begun ramping up purchases of U.S. cargoes following a trade truce with Washington in late October, with traders saying more than 7 million metric tons have been bought since then.

Sinograin held three auctions this month to make room for U.S. soy arrivals.
Source: Reuters