U.S. soybean farmers are calling on President Donald Trump to secure a trade deal with China. In a letter sent Tuesday, the American Soybean Association warned that farmers face severe long-term economic losses if China continues to avoid U.S. soybeans.
China is the world’s largest soybean buyer, but trade tensions have pushed it toward Brazilian suppliers. This year, China has not pre-purchased soybeans from the upcoming U.S. harvest—a rare move that has raised alarms among traders and growers.
“Soybean farmers are under extreme financial stress,” the ASA wrote. “Prices are falling, while costs for inputs and equipment keep rising. U.S. soybean farmers cannot withstand a prolonged trade dispute with their biggest customer.”
Losing China to Brazil could cost American farmers billions. In the 2023–2024 season, China purchased 54% of all U.S. soybean exports, worth $13.2 billion. At the same time, Chinese soybean imports hit a record high in July.
Soybean prices briefly jumped after Trump urged China on Truth Social to quadruple its purchases on August 11. But farmers remain skeptical that such an increase is realistic.
“The longer the U.S. goes into autumn without a soybean deal with China, the greater the damage to farmers,” the ASA warned.
The White House has not yet commented on the letter.
