BEIJING, CHINA — China’s soybean imports from Brazil saw a significant increase in April as cargoes arrived that were ordered earlier but delayed by rain in Brazil, Reuters reported, citing customs data.

China imported 5.08 million tonnes of soybeans from Brazil, up from 315,334 tonnes in March. Totals were still below the 5.939 million tonnes imported in the same month a year ago.

Crushers increased purchases, anticipating growing demand for animal feed from the recovering pig sector.

Because of the delay from Brazil, buyers turned to the United States, importing 2.15 million tonnes of US soybeans in April. That was three times the 665,591 tonnes shipped in the same month a year ago, Reuters said.

China’s soybean imports in April from all origins were 7.45 million tonnes, up 11% from the previous year.

New African swine fever outbreaks and a shift to more wheat in animal feed is curbing the demand for soymeal.