China Soybean Buying Lifts New-Crop Export Sales Sharply

China accounted for roughly 40.5 million bushels of new-crop soybean sales as early export demand strengthened ahead of harvest.

Soybean plants growing in a field backlit by the sun

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — China returned as a major buyer of new-crop U.S. soybeans during the week ending August 20, helping push 2026/27 soybean sales to about 91 million bushels. USDA reports China accounted for roughly 40.5 million bushels.

Unknown destinations added another 38.4 million bushels of soybeans. Corn sales for 2026/27 totaled about 42 million bushels, with unknown destinations and Mexico leading. Old-crop corn sales fell to a marketing-year low.

Wheat sales reached about 14.8 million bushels, up 31% from the four-week average. Corn exports totaled about 57.4 million bushels, while soybean shipments reached roughly 16.6 million.

Cotton sales totaled 95,700 bales, led by Vietnam, Guatemala and Bangladesh. Pork sales jumped 42% from the previous week to 38,700 metric tons, while beef sales slipped slightly.

The large China soybean purchase strengthens early new-crop demand, although substantial sales remain listed to unknown destinations.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong new-crop soybean bookings, especially from China, provide an encouraging demand signal ahead of harvest.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

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