ASA Urges President Trump to Prioritize Soybeans in Upcoming Trade Talks with China

Ahead of a planned meeting with President Xi Jinping in China later this month, the American Soybean Association is urging President Trump to prioritize U.S. soybeans in ongoing trade talks and secure additional commitments from China to support American farmers and ranchers.

In a letter sent today to the White House, ASA called for additional purchases of U.S. soybeans and the removal of the remaining 10% retaliatory tariff on U.S. imports into China.

"Farmers continue to face serious headwinds as we enter the 2026 planting season," said ASA President Scott Metzger and Ohio soybean farmer. "We need a return to predictable and stable trade with our largest customer in China. We appreciate President Trump's attention to the plight of soybean farmers and the commitments secured in Busan last autumn, and we are hopeful that he will secure more positive outcomes for U.S. agriculture after this next meeting with President Xi."

In Marketing Year 2024/2025, U.S. soybean farmers shipped 22.6 million metric tons (MMT) to China, accounting for $9.9 billion in sales. On average, China imports between 25 to 30 MMT of U.S. soybeans annually. According to the fact sheet released in November by the White House, China committed to purchase 12 MMT for the 2025/2026 Marketing Year, plus 25 MMT for 2026, 2027, and 2028. Maintaining the status quo for exports to China while the cost of inputs continues to rise and place additional financial strain on farmers is not sustainable for the rural economy.

ASA appreciates the administration's attention to this critical issue and looks forward to continuing to advocate for expanded market access opportunities for U.S. soybean farmers.