Experts: Feed alternatives reducing soybean demand

Imports could drop by 10% as tariffs lift prices and domestic farms expand

China could reduce imports of soybeans by more than 10 million metric tons this year - down more than 10 percent from last year - because of domestic production and the promotion of soybean substitutes, analysts said.

Because of its low cost, farmers nationwide have long relied on imported soybean meal, the remains of the plant after oil is extracted, to supplement animal feed.