DHAKA, BANGLADESH (RFD-TV) — With China halting purchases of American soybeans after a renewed tariff dispute, Bangladesh is emerging as a key new buyer — snapping up surplus U.S. supplies at bargain prices.
The Daily Star reports that Bangladeshi importers and crushers are taking advantage of a widening price gap, with U.S. soybeans selling for about $470 per ton, compared to $490 or more for Brazilian cargoes. The shift comes as Chinese tariffs of 20 percent have sharply reduced U.S. exports to their once-top destination, leaving farmers with excess stock and lower farm-gate prices.
Deputy General Manager Taslim Shahriar of Meghna Group of Industries told The Daily Star that his company now sources 80 percent of its soybeans from the U.S., up from 40 percent before the tariff change, citing both cost savings and higher seed quality.
U.S. shipments to Bangladesh jumped to roughly 400,000 tons over August and September — double the previous two-month total — and made up nearly 87 percent of all soybeans imported in September, according to the U.S. Soybean Export Council.
Industry leaders say the trend could modestly narrow the U.S.-Bangladesh trade gap, which remains heavily in Dhaka’s favor, and reinforce the Trump administration’s goal of reducing bilateral deficits. Bangladesh’s crushers are forecast to process a record 2.4 million tons of soybeans in the 2025-26 marketing year, up more than 9 percent as the country benefits from global supply reshuffling.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Bangladesh’s buying surge offers temporary relief for U.S. farmers facing weaker Chinese demand, highlighting how global politics can reshape export outlets overnight.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
Credit stress is building for row-crop farms despite steady land values and slight price improvements.
December 06, 2025 03:00 PM
·
Mike Steenhoek, with the Soy Transportation Commission, shares his outlook on current grain stocks and transportation lines amid bumper crops filling bins across the United States.
December 05, 2025 02:18 PM
·
American soybean and corn leaders, along with Canada’s AgriFood sector, testified before the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office in support of the trade pact between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
December 05, 2025 12:29 PM
·
Higher ocean freight raises export costs just as global grain competition intensifies.
December 04, 2025 02:50 PM
·
Buying a real Christmas tree directly supports U.S. farmers facing rising import competition, long production cycles, and weather-driven risks.
December 04, 2025 11:02 AM
·
Strong plant output and rising exports contrast with softer domestic blending demand, suggesting margins are poised for volatility.
December 04, 2025 10:43 AM
·
Weaker U.S. dairy prices come as value-added exports expand and ingredient inventories tighten, creating mixed market signals for producers.
December 03, 2025 06:52 PM
·
WTO gauges point to agricultural raw materials trade growing more slowly than overall goods, reinforcing the need to manage export risk and monitor policy shifts closely.
December 03, 2025 03:46 PM
·
Improved export prospects and higher crop prices strengthened future expectations despite continued caution about spending.
December 03, 2025 01:52 PM
·
