LUBBOCK, TX – Rising transportation costs are reshaping soybean export competition between the United States and Brazil, adding pressure to delivered prices in key overseas markets. USDA says first-quarter U.S. Gulf-route costs to China increased from late 2025 as truck and barge expenses climbed.
For soybeans moving from St. Louis to China, total transportation costs reached $95.50 per metric ton, up nearly 3% quarter to quarter and 12% from a year earlier. Havana, Illinois, costs rose to $105.66.
Brazil also faced higher transportation costs. Truck and ocean freight increased on routes from Mato Grosso and Goiás, although falling Brazilian farm values helped reduce quarter-to-quarter landed costs.
U.S. soybean exports to China reached about 286 million bushels during the first quarter, up 46% from a year earlier. Brazil shipped about 589 million bushels, down 5%.
Transportation remains a major part of export competitiveness. USDA says freight represented 19% to 26% of U.S. landed soybean costs to China during the quarter.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Higher freight costs can quickly erode soybean export competitiveness even when overseas demand improves.