China’s Growing Livestock Farming Boosts Oilseed Imports, Intensifying Global Competition

Beijing, March 31, 2025: China’s expanding livestock farming is driving a surge in oilseed imports, making the country a dominant player in the global oilseed market. As the largest importer of soybeans and a major buyer of rapeseed and sunflower products, China’s influence on global prices is increasing, putting it in direct competition with the European Union (EU). 

China’s Soaring Demand for Oilseeds 

China accounts for 23% of global oilseed consumption—a staggering 171 million tons annually. When considering the three most traded oilseeds (soybean, rapeseed, and sunflower), the country’s share of global consumption rises to 27%, totaling 141 million tons. 

However, China’s self-sufficiency rate in oilseeds has declined over the past decade from 26% to just 23%, meaning that nearly 60% of global soy, sunflower, and rapeseed trade now heads to China. 

Soybean Imports at Record Levels 

Despite domestic efforts to boost soybean production, China remains heavily reliant on imports. For the 2024/25 season, US market observers project soybean imports of 103 million tons, as the country’s soybean meal consumption for livestock feed is expected to reach an all-time high of over 75 million tons. 

In 2023, China’s customs data reflected lower import figures, but discrepancies emerged when compared to reported deliveries from Brazil, the US, and Argentina. The combined total exceeded 102 million tons, suggesting higher real import volumes. 

Stable Oilseed Production Forecast 

The US Agricultural Attaché in Beijing predicts that China’s soybean, rapeseed, and sunflower production will remain relatively stable in 2024/25, despite record production claims by Chinese authorities for the 2023/24 season. Domestic soybean prices have fallen by 15% since 2023, discouraging acreage expansion despite increased government subsidies of USD 740/ha for soybean farmers. 

Rapeseed and Sunflower Imports on the Rise 

China’s role in the rapeseed market is significant—it is the third-largest producer globally and the second-largest importer and consumer after the EU. Despite fluctuations in rapeseed imports, China’s demand remains high, with rapeseed meal purchases forecast at 2.7 million tons in 2023/24, accounting for a quarter of global trade. 

Sunflower product imports also show strong growth, particularly for sunflower meal, with purchases expected to hit a record 3.5 million tons in 2023/24. 

China Competing with the EU for Global Supplies 

The EU, with its own rapeseed harvest projected at 19.5 million tons in 2024, is closely monitoring supply dynamics. However, competition with China for oilseeds from Canada and Australia could intensify, particularly if Ukraine, a key supplier, experiences a weaker harvest. 

Impact on Global Markets 

China’s increasing appetite for oilseeds is expected to drive global prices, causing volatility depending on supply and demand. The need to secure additional 30 million tons of oilseeds compared to a decade ago has intensified China’s position as a price influencer in the global market. As the country’s dependence on imports grows, its purchasing decisions will continue to have a profound impact on global oilseed markets.

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