US President Donald Trump announced he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in four weeks. Soybeans will be a key topic in the talks. This comes as US-China trade tensions grow.
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social. He said American soybean farmers are suffering. China stopped buying US soybeans for “negotiating reasons only.” China has not bought any US soybeans since April or May. This hurts US farmers who rely on exports to China. China used to buy a large share of US soybeans. Now, it buys from Brazil and Argentina instead.
The trade fight started earlier this year. The US raised tariffs on Chinese goods to fight unfair trade. Tariffs hit 145% at one point. China fought back with its own tariffs and export limits. In May, both sides agreed to ease some rules. The US cut most tariffs to a 30% base but kept some for fentanyl drugs and fair trade. The truce lasts until November. Now, US tariffs on Chinese imports are about 55%.
Trump blames China for using soybeans as a weapon in talks. He also criticized former President Joe Biden. Trump said Biden did not enforce a past deal where China promised to buy billions in US farm goods.
To help farmers, Trump promises aid from tariff money. The US has collected billions from tariffs. Some of that will go to soybean and other crop farmers. Trump said, “I will never let our farmers down.” He added, “MAKE SOYBEANS, AND OTHER ROW CROPS, GREAT AGAIN!” This is like aid given in his first term during the last trade war.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer called the 55% tariff rate a “good status quo.” It gives the US leverage in talks. Trump believes the US has the upper hand. 1
The meeting could happen at an Asia-Pacific summit in late October. Trump wants to push for more Chinese buys of US farm products. Farmers hope for a deal soon. Without it, they face losses from unsold crops. The American Soybean Association urged quick action.
This trade war affects the whole US farm economy. Exports to China dropped 53% in early 2025. Soybeans are the biggest hit. Farmers in states like Iowa and Illinois worry about prices and markets.
Trump assured farmers it will “work out very well.” The talks aim to balance trade and protect US jobs. But experts say the war has long-term costs for both sides.