Soybean · importers
The United States ranks seventh of 96 at $2.9B in the oil seeds chapter, a modest place for the world’s largest economy and a major grower.
| Market | HS 12 imports |
|---|---|
| China | $61.5B |
| Germany | $7.1B |
| Japan | $5.3B |
| Mexico | $4.9B |
| Netherlands | $4.2B |
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.
The chapter is only 0.1% of the country’s $3.36T imports and ranks 72nd among its import chapters, a very low position for a large importer. Nuclear reactors and machinery at $531.2B, electrical machinery at $485.9B and vehicles at $391.5B dominate. Oil seeds are a very minor line.
For a seller, the practical message is that this is a niche import market rather than a mass one.
Argentina is above at $3.3B, and Spain is just below at $2.9B. The US 2.1% share of reported world imports is virtually identical to Spain’s, so the order between them is loose. With domestic supply abundant, imports are likely to serve specific needs such as particular seeds or specialty uses, or to move goods for processing.
Plant-health rules for seeds are strict in many countries, and the conditions set by the authorities can change. Confirm the current import permit, inspection and labelling requirements directly with them and with the buyer. Mexico, China, Canada and Germany lead the overall source list, which covers all goods.
Agree Incoterm, currency, payment terms and port in writing.
The $2.9B is the total for HS chapter 12, oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, and in a producing country the mix can include seeds other than soybeans. The US, Spain and Turkey report almost the same value, so national reporting differences can swap them.
Shipment data under the soybean heading shows the consignee and weight of each cargo. Look for coastal processors and specialty buyers, agree Incoterm, currency and payment terms, and contact them via this site’s free marketplace.
Seventh of 96 at $2.9B in 2024, a 2.1% share of reported world imports.
It is 0.1% of $3.36T and ranks 72nd among import chapters, because the country grows large quantities itself.
Niche varieties, organic lots, other oil seeds in the chapter, or processing for re-export.
Filter shipment data to the soybean heading and look for consignees with repeat arrivals.
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