China's traditional soybean oil extraction method, led by processors like Zheng Changming in Heilongjiang, remains vital amid rising domestic demand driven by protein-rich diets and livestock feed needs. Despite government subsidies favoring soybean cultivation, farmers prefer corn due to its higher yield and lower maintenance, leaving China heavily reliant on imports to meet its soybean demand.

Geopolitical tensions have shifted China's sourcing from the US to Brazil, raising concerns over quality and reliability. A potential China-US trade deal could stabilize supply chains and support American farmers, underscoring soybeans' strategic role in global agriculture and diplomacy.

 

This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.