General view of a soybean field in Wyandot County, Ohio, U.S., August 16, 2021. Picture taken August 16, 2021.
"Rapid service will be provided. Thank you President XI," Trump stated in a social media post late on August 10, 2025.
China, the world's largest soybean importer, brought in approximately 105 million metric tons of soybeans in 2024, with about 22.13 million tons sourced from the U.S. and 74.65 million tons from Brazil. The oilseed is primarily used to produce soymeal for livestock feed. However, analysts noted that a recent oversupply of soymeal in China might reduce demand for additional soybean imports. "It's highly unlikely that China would ever buy four times its usual volume of soybeans from the U.S.," said Johnny Xiang, founder of Beijing-based AgRadar Consulting.
The U.S. faces strong competition from Brazil, the leading global soybean exporter. Gary Vetter, a farmer from Westside, Iowa, emphasized the challenge: "They're going to go to their cheapest producer." Despite this, U.S. farmers expressed support for Trump's efforts. "He is trying to support the United States," Vetter added.
China's soymeal futures on the Dalian Commodity Exchange declined 0.65% to 3,068 yuan per metric ton, reflecting expectations of increased supply from potential U.S. imports. Meanwhile, China's Ministry of Commerce has not yet responded to inquiries regarding these developments.
Historically, trade tensions have influenced China's soybean sourcing. During the first Trump administration, China increased imports from South America, particularly Brazil, and has since explored options like Argentine soymeal to diversify supply chains. This year, China has delayed booking U.S. soybeans for the upcoming harvest, marking the longest such delay since at least 2005, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data.
"We're all working to diversify away from China, but China is critically important for us," said Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council. The council has been advocating for renewed trade agreements to maintain access to the Chinese market, which remains vital despite efforts to find alternative buyers.
