(NAFB.com) – Efforts by China to reduce its reliance on imported soybeans are raising questions about the long-term outlook for U.S. soybean exports, analysts say. China, the world’s largest soybean buyer, has been encouraging lower soybean meal use in livestock feed and expanding domestic oilseed production. While imports remain high, any sustained reduction could have ripple effects across global markets. U.S. farmers rely heavily on export demand, with China historically accounting for a significant share of shipments. Analysts said even modest policy shifts in Beijing can influence prices received by American growers. Agricultural economists cautioned that China’s goals face practical limits, including feed efficiency and domestic supply constraints. Still, they said U.S. producers must monitor policy signals closely. Diversifying export markets and boosting domestic demand were cited as key strategies to reduce exposure to trade volatility.