Why don't we choose to import Russian soybeans? Recent, but non-GMO
On the topic of why we cannot buy soybeans from Russia, we must first talk about a "soybean scandal" that occurred in our country in 2004. That year, our main sourcing country, soybean producing regions in the Americas, bottomed out their inventories, so much so that for a while, our import pipelines were in crisis. Due to the shortage of soybeans, which has led to the increase in the price of domestic soybeans, oil producers have had to buy large quantities of soybeans from the United States in order to ensure their oil supply. However, oil producers have suffered huge losses due to increased soybean production in the Americas and a sharp drop in oil prices. Oil traders tried to reduce their losses, only to be met with high default costs and sued by the world's grain merchants. This incident caused the bankruptcy of a large number of domestic oil refining enterprises, and thousands of enterprises were bought by foreign investors at low prices, putting the oil industry in a difficult situation. The accident has caused a lively discussion about the supply and demand of soybeans, both internationally and domestically, in which Russian soybeans are considered an alternative.
1. Different planting environments and varieties**
Soybeans are mostly produced in mild zones in China, while those in the Americas are produced in dry zones, with a large cultivation range and more advanced cultivation technology. In contrast, although the quality of soybeans in Russia is higher, the yield is low due to ecological constraints. In order to increase the level of food production, Russia urgently needs to update its agricultural technology to win more market recognition.
2.Protein content and range of applications**
Soybeans in China have high protein and are suitable for direct consumption, while soybeans in the Americas are suitable for deep processing and extrusion. Due to the constraints of soil and ecological conditions, there are certain difficulties in soybean production with the Americas. And, despite the good quality of soybeans in Russia, its yields are low and cannot well replace soybeans in the Americas.
3. The planting technology is in line with international standards**
Using modern cultivation methods, American soybeans, which are mainly genetically modified, have occupied the world's major markets. In contrast, Russian soybeans are not universally recognized by the world for their yield and quality due to conventional cultivation methods. In order to further develop the soybean industry in Russia, it is necessary to introduce advanced foreign technology and enhance its competitiveness in the international market.
4.Shipping costs and ease of transportation**
American soybeans are more attractive to customers due to their efficient logistics system, which reduces shipping costs, even though it needs to be shipped over long distances. However, Russian soybeans are less competitive in the international market than those in the Americas due to long shipping time, lack of perfect logistics system and relatively expensive freight.
5.**Stability and reliability of the chain**
Soybean production enterprises in the Americas have relatively complete production, processing and other links, and have become a complete industrial chain. In contrast, Russia's soybean production chain is weaker, with poor supply capacity and weak supply capacity. Therefore, the introduction of soybeans from the Americas from abroad can better ensure the stability and reliability of its supply.
In short, although the quality of soybeans in Russia is good, it is difficult to compete with soybeans in the Americas due to its shortcomings in cultivation environment, yield and technology. Therefore, we should focus on improving the modernization of China's soybean industry, ensuring the stability of its first chain, and taking American soybeans as the main export product to meet the needs of the domestic market. On this basis, combined with the development practice of the Americas, we will improve our own planting model to reduce our dependence on imported soybeans, ensure our food security, and promote sustainable agricultural development.