President Donald Trump confirmed that he will meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in the coming month, and the primary topic of discussion will be US soybean purchases. The meeting aims to address the difficulties American farmers are facing as a result of trade disputes. Trump highlighted on Truth Social that China’s lack of soybean purchases is hurting US farmers, stating that soybeans will be a core subject of discussion during the meeting with President Xi. Trump also noted the possibility of meeting Xi at the APEC summit in South Korea at the end of October, and a planned visit to China next year. Earlier in the year, the US and China engaged in a trade war, imposing higher tariffs on each other’s exports. Although both countries agreed to ease tensions, the situation remains precarious. Trump has indicated a desire to use US tariff funds to assist American farmers. He also criticized former President Joe Biden for not enforcing an earlier trade deal with China, which called for increased farm purchases. The American Soybean Association (ASA) has requested Trump to place soybeans at the forefront of trade talks with China. The ASA has expressed concerns that China’s retaliatory tariffs are preventing American farmers from selling to their major export market as the 2025 soybean harvest nears. China is a significant soybean purchaser, and the United States has traditionally been a major supplier. ASA President Caleb Ragland reported that the US has seen zero sales to China in the current crop year due to China’s retaliatory tariffs, which is benefiting other exporters, such as Brazil and Argentina.
