The American Soybean Association (ASA) welcomed China’s continued commitment to purchase at least 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually from 2026 through 2028 following a summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The association said the annual purchase commitments provide important demand and greater certainty for U.S. soybean farmers as they work to strengthen and expand export markets.
ASA President and Ohio soybean farmer Scott Metzger said China remains an important market for U.S. soybeans and emphasized the need for a strong trading relationship that allows more Chinese customers to purchase U.S. soybeans. He also stressed the importance of China fulfilling its annual purchase commitments.
However, ASA expressed disappointment that U.S. soybeans were not included among the agricultural products receiving additional tariff relief from China.
China’s remaining 10% retaliatory tariff limits market access for private Chinese importers, meaning soybean trade will continue to be handled primarily by China’s state-owned enterprises. ASA said removing the tariff would improve the competitiveness of U.S. soybeans and create more opportunities for private Chinese buyers.
The association welcomed commitments from the United States and China to meet twice more before the new trade truce deadline of Jan. 10, 2027. ASA continues to urge negotiators to pursue a trade agreement that provides additional support for U.S. soybean exports.
ASA also emphasized the importance of protecting and expanding domestic biofuels markets while pursuing a more favorable trade agreement with China.
The association pointed to Trump’s support for a strong Renewable Fuel Standard and other policies benefiting biomass-based diesel, a key domestic market for U.S. soybean farmers.
ASA said maintaining and expanding domestic biofuels demand remains critical to supporting soybean farmers’ profitability as they enter the harvest season.
Source: American Soybean Association, "ASA Says China Soybean Commitments are Critical Amid Continued Tariffs"