Fact Check: China imported a record volume of Brazilian soybeans in May.

Fact Check: "China imported a record volume of Brazilian soybeans in May."

What We Know

In May 2025, China indeed imported a record volume of soybeans, totaling 13.92 million metric tons. This figure is more than double the imports from April, which were recorded at 6.08 million metric tons, the lowest in a decade (TradingView). The increase in imports is attributed to a recovery in customs clearance speeds and the operational rates of crushing plants returning to normal levels (AgroReview). Year-on-year, this represents a 36.2% increase from the 10.22 million metric tons imported in May of the previous year (TradingView).

Brazil remains the primary supplier of soybeans to China, typically accounting for the majority of China's soybean imports during the March to June shipping window, coinciding with Brazil's harvest season (TradingView). The surge in imports in May was also influenced by a significant recovery in the processing industry, which had previously been hampered by logistical issues and customs delays (Tridge).

Analysis

The claim that "China imported a record volume of Brazilian soybeans in May" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The data from customs indicates a clear upward trend in soybean imports, confirming the record figure cited. The reliability of the sources is strong, particularly from established news agencies like Reuters and TradingView, which provide detailed customs data and analyses from industry experts (TradingView, AgroReview).

Additionally, the information aligns with broader trends in agricultural imports, where Brazil's soybean exports have been robust due to favorable harvest conditions. The increase in imports is also corroborated by reports indicating that Brazil exported 14.10 million tons of soybeans in May, up from 13.44 million tons in the same month the previous year (TradingView).

While some sources, such as Tridge, provide additional context regarding the operational recovery of crushing plants and customs processes, the core claim remains consistently supported across the board. The sources used are reputable and provide a comprehensive view of the situation, minimizing the risk of bias or misinformation.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that "China imported a record volume of Brazilian soybeans in May" is accurate, as substantiated by multiple credible sources detailing the import figures and the factors contributing to this increase.

Sources

1. China May soybean imports hit record high of 13.92 ... - TradingView
2. China lifts suspension on five Brazilian soy exporters ahead of Lula ... - Reuters
3. www.baidu.com_百度知道
4. China Boosts Soybean Imports from Brazil in May 2025 - AgroReview
5. 中国的英文简写可否写成P.R.China_百度知道
6. China's May soybean imports from Brazil surge 37.4% year-on-year - Tridge
7. 百度官方网址_百度知道
8. China's May soybean imports from Brazil jump 37.5 per cent year over ... - The Producer