The EU imported 3.7Mt of soya beans from the US from July to the end of November, twice as much as during the same period last year, according to new European figures published this Monday.

While overall European imports of the protein crop jumped by 8.9% to 5.4Mt over the period following the summer drought across the north of the EU, the source of those imports has also changed significantly.

Shipments of US-grown soya beans replaced part of Europe's imports from other trading partners, especially Brazil (-18.2%) and other south American countries, as well as Canada (-59.8%). The US now provides 69% of the EU's soya bean imports, ahead of Brazil (25%).

Trade war

These shifts took place against the backdrop of the developing trade war between the US and China, with tariffs hitting sales of US soya bean to China, which turned to other sources.

A truce emerged at the G20 summit last week, when the two countries' leaders agreed to pause escalating tariffs on each other's products for the next three months.

This has re-oriented US exports to Europe, and those from other countries to China.

The EU and the US formalised this policy at a summit between European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and US President Donald Trump in July.

While we look at developing our growth potential for EU-grown plant proteins, we will continue to import soya beans from our partners

"Due to a variety of other market and climatic factors, European protein crop production is not sufficient to cover the growing demand," said European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan in a statement this Monday.

"When it comes to soya, EU self-sufficiency amounts to only 5% of our needs.

"So while we look at developing our growth potential for EU-grown plant proteins, we will continue to import soya beans from our partners, including the United States, who is now our main supplier."

The EU is preparing a plan to increase European production of protein crops and reduce its dependence on exports under the next CAP.

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