Farm Leaders Praise New U.S.-China Soybean Deal as ‘Meaningful Step Forward’

On Thursday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that China will buy 12 million metric tons (mmt) of U.S. soybeans from now through January and is committed to buying 25 mmt annually for the next three years.

The news came after a report Wednesday that China had purchased three U.S. soybean cargoes.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said of the news in a social media post that “Trump is fighting back and DELIVERING for American farmers!”

Several agricultural groups were quick to celebrate the news. Here’s what they had to say. 

National Groups 

American Farm Bureau Association

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is the nation’s largest farmer-run organization and serves farmers in all 50 states.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall commented Thursday on China’s agreement to resume soybean imports from the U.S.

“Farm Bureau is encouraged by China’s commitment to import soybean and sorghum from the United States. Trade disputes dealt a blow to farmers who have already been hit hard by high expenses and historically low commodity prices.

“Today’s three-year agreement comes within days of announced trade deals with Malaysia and Cambodia, along with frameworks with Thailand and Vietnam. Expanding markets and restoring purchases by China will provide some certainty for farmers who are struggling just to hold on. We appreciate the administration for listening to the needs of America’s farmers. As additional details are made known, we look forward to evaluating how these agreements will benefit the U.S. farm economy.”

American Soybean Association

The American Soybean Association (ASA) represents U.S. soybean farmers on domestic and international policy issues. ASA has 26 affiliate state associations representing 30 soybean-producing states and nearly 500,000 soybean farmers.

ASA responded Thursday with a statement calling the deal with China a “very positive development for soybean farmers who rely on open markets” that came “after months of stalled purchases and uncertainty.”

“Today’s announcement is great news for American agriculture, and soybean farmers are extremely grateful to President Trump for making soybeans a priority in negotiations with China,” said Caleb Ragland, ASA President and soybean farmer from Magnolia, Kentucky. “This is a meaningful step forward to reestablishing a stable, long-term trading relationship that delivers results for farm families and future generations,” he said.

State Groups

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig issued the following statement after the Trump Administration made the new trade announcement:

“This is great news for Iowa farmers and our ag economy. Expanded soybean purchases by China will make a meaningful impact at a time when many farmers are feeling the pain of a tough farm economy. It’s important that we continue to play offense on trade by opening and expanding new markets while also driving domestic use of Iowa products, especially homegrown biofuels.”

Iowa Farm Bureau 

With 100 offices in 99 Iowa counties, Iowa Farm Bureau is a statewide, grassroots farm organization dedicated to our mission of creating a vibrant future for agriculture, farm families, and their communities.

The organization released a statement Thursday celebrating the news. 

“Iowa farmers are encouraged by the positive developments around a trade deal with China,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. “The announcement of China’s return to the marketplace is welcomed news and should provide some price support to struggling U.S. soybean markets.

“With farmers facing rising costs to grow a crop amid depressed markets, we applaud the administration’s efforts to secure trade deals and opportunities for agriculture.”

Iowa Soybean Association

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) is driven to deliver market demand, production research, information, and insights and regulatory action benefiting Iowa’s 37,000 soybean farmers and the industry.

ISA “[welcomed] the Trump administration’s latest action to prioritize Iowa farmers” in a statement Thursday.

“Following months of uncertainty around Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans and other agricultural products, this positive development is encouraging news for Iowa farmers who rely on open market access to drive soybean demand,” the statement said.

“Today’s announcement addresses many of the concerns around market access to China following months of stalled purchases and uncertainty,” said Tom Adam, ISA president and soybean farmer from Harper, Iowa. “This is great news for American agriculture and for soybean farmers who have been eager to reestablish a stable and long-term relationship that positions us for success moving forward. We are very grateful to President Trump for making soybeans a priority in negotiations with China.”

Editor’s note: Some of the previous statements have been edited and/or condensed by Successful Farming for style and clarity.