South Africa is expected to ship about 200,000 tons of soybeans to China in November 2026. This operation comes after a record 2.8 million tonnes harvest during the 2025/2026 grain season and while exporters are looking for new outlets for some of the available volumes.

The agreement was concluded by a multinational member of the South African Cereals and Oilseeds Trade Association (SACOTA).

This is the second major export of South African soybeans to China, after the 147,000 tonnes shipped in 2023 by three vessels. The new contract therefore involves a volume greater than that achieved in the first transaction.

Since 1 May 2026, access to the Chinese market has benefited from a zero customs duty regime for eligible products from 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing. South African soybean exporters previously enjoyed a 3% duty.

According to SACOTA, its removal represents an estimated benefit of approximately $15 per tonne against South American suppliers. The association also estimates the transport distance benefit at 12 to 15 dollars per tonne, even if it depends on freight conditions and routes.

However, exports remain subject to several constraints. Late rains have delayed harvests in some regions, while the needs of national trituration units have limited export volumes.

In the port of Durban, South Africa, soybean shipments also have to cope with the capacity of terminals used by yellow corn exports.

SACOTA estimates, however, that South African soybean exports could reach about 510,000 tonnes during the campaign, with shipments to China, Indonesia and Malaysia as well as cross-border flows to Zimbabwe and Eswatini.

The achievement of these volumes will depend in particular on available production, domestic demand, prices and logistical capacity.