China has committed to purchasing at least 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans each year through 2028, following a summit between Presidents Trump and Xi, according to the American Soybean Association.
The agreement, covering 2026, 2027 and 2028, provides demand certainty for U.S. farmers during a period of ongoing trade tensions.
“As soybean farmers look to strengthen and expand markets, China’s annual commitment to purchase 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans provides critical stability, and we expect those commitments to be fully met,” said ASA President Scott Metzger, an Ohio soybean farmer.
But the trade group expressed disappointment that soybeans were excluded from additional tariff relief announced for other agricultural products. China maintains a 10% retaliatory duty on U.S. soybeans, which limits access for private Chinese importers and funnels most trade through state-owned enterprises.
Removing the tariff would improve competitiveness and open opportunities for private Chinese buyers, ASA said.
The U.S. and China have agreed to meet twice more before a trade truce deadline of Jan. 10, 2027. The association continues pressing negotiators for a deal that provides more support for U.S. soybeans.
Metzger said China remains an important market for U.S. soybeans and the group wants to see a strong trading relationship that allows more Chinese customers to purchase American crops.
The trade group also noted President Trump’s support for the Renewable Fuel Standard and policies benefiting biomass-based diesel, a domestic market for soybeans. ASA said protecting and growing domestic biofuels markets remains important for soybean farmers’ bottom lines as harvest season approaches.
The two-month trade truce extension announced Sept. 24 was welcomed by the association, which hopes continued dialogue will deliver more positive developments for agricultural trade.
