How soybeans became a fault line in China’s food security

from tariff battles to ongoing geopolitical competition. Over the past three decades, China has evolved from a soybean exporter into the world’s largest importer, buying around 100 million tonnes annually. This shift reflects surging domestic demand, sweeping trade reforms, WTO accession, and technological changes in agriculture. Despite ongoing efforts to reduce import dependence, limited arable land makes China structurally reliant on foreign supplies. Following trade liberalisation and China’s WTO entry, the United States became a dominant supplier, supported by high yields, GM technology and efficient logistics. But the 2018 trade war triggered a reassessment of risks: Beijing recognised that US soybeans could be “weaponised” and moved to diversify suppliers, boost domestic output and adjust agricultural policies. Recent strategies include the national soybean revitalisation plan, investments in high-yield and high-oil varieties, incentives for farmers and development of ...