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
Record U.S. sorghum crop faces weak demand as China slashes imports, while corn farmers warn of rising costs, shrinking margins, and global market pressures.
September 22, 2025 11:46 AM
·
Dairy farmers are expected to face strong output and export gains, but lower prices and tighter margins will persist into next year.
September 22, 2025 10:52 AM
·
Producers and processors should watch trade policy closely as tariff impacts ripple through seafood markets.
September 19, 2025 03:15 PM
·
Ethanol producers face a widening opportunity window as aviation and marine fuel markets expand, with the potential to add billions in demand if policy and certification align.
September 19, 2025 02:42 PM
·
All eyes will be on today’s Cattle on Feed Report, which analysts say could give a clearer picture of where the market goes next.
September 19, 2025 01:01 PM
·
September 19, 2025 10:09 AM
·
Corn and beef exports showed strong momentum, cotton sales surged, and soybean sales held steady, though China remains absent from the U.S. market.
September 18, 2025 04:43 PM
·
Cheaper freight is helping exports move, especially corn, but weaker soybean demand looms large.
September 18, 2025 04:37 PM
·
Disease risks remain a key factor to watch heading into fall.
September 18, 2025 03:07 PM
·
