Soybean · importers
Japan ranks third of 96 at $5.3B in the oil seeds chapter, and its demand is shaped by food uses as well as by crushing.
| Market | HS 12 imports |
|---|---|
| China | $61.5B |
| Germany | $7.1B |
| Mexico | $4.9B |
| Netherlands | $4.2B |
| Argentina | $3.3B |
Figures are for the whole of HS chapter 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits); soybean is only part of it. Source: UN Comtrade, as reported by national authorities; latest available year per market.
Germany is above at $7.1B and Mexico below at $4.9B. Japan’s 3.8% share of reported world imports is close to Mexico’s, so the gap below is narrow. The chapter is 0.7% of the country’s $742.7B imports and ranks 28th among its import chapters, far behind fuel at $168.7B and electrical machinery at $106.1B.
The position is secure relative to the wider field but not relative to Mexico.
Beyond crushing for oil and meal, soybeans are eaten in many forms, such as tofu, soy sauce and fermented products, and food makers often use beans selected for those purposes. Their specifications can be tighter than those for crushing grade: size, colour, protein and consistency can matter to the maker. Ask the buyer whether they need food-grade, identity-preserved or general crushing beans.
That question decides the price tier, the paperwork and the packaging.
China, the USA, Australia and the United Arab Emirates lead Japan’s overall source list. It covers all goods and does not show soybean origins. Genetic-modification labelling, quarantine inspection and other conditions are set by the authorities and can change, so confirm them directly with the authorities and the buyer.
The $5.3B represents all of HS chapter 12, oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, so soybeans are only a fraction. Countries declare their own trade data for the latest year available, which means re-exports and reporting gaps can affect the order of the table.
Customs shipment records under the soybean heading show the consignee for each cargo, its weight and declared value. Use that view to split food-grade buyers from crushers, agree Incoterm, currency, payment terms and port with the ones you choose, and approach them through this site’s free marketplace.
Third of 96 at $5.3B in 2024, a 3.8% share of reported world imports. Germany is above at $7.1B and Mexico below at $4.9B.
Food-grade beans face tighter size, colour and cleanliness limits than crushing beans, and that shifts price, paperwork and packing.
It is 0.7% of $742.7B and ranks 28th among Japan's import chapters, well behind fuels and machinery.
Search customs shipment data for the soybean heading and read the consignee and declared value columns.
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