China January-February soybean imports down 7.8% on slow Brazil harvest, customs delays

BEIJING: China’s soybean imports fell in the first two months of the year, weighed down by most US shipments yet to arrive, slower Brazilian harvests, and extended customs clearance, analysts said.

Imports are expected to recover in the coming months as more US shipments reach Chinese ports and Brazil’s record crop comes on stream.

China combines data for January and February to smooth out the impact of the Lunar New Year holiday, which may fall in either month in a given year.