USDA data dump shows China far behind on promised U.S. soybean buys (AP News): New USDA export data show that China has bought only a small fraction of the U.S. soybeans it pledged after last month’s meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. According to the report, China has purchased just two cargoes — about 332,000 metric tons — even though officials had highlighted up to 12 million metric tons in near-term commitments and a longer-term plan for significantly expanded buying. The shortfall underscores how little movement has occurred since the summit, despite the political emphasis placed on renewed agricultural trade.
The lag in sales comes at a strained moment for many U.S. growers. Farmers interviewed say they were counting on a surge in Chinese demand to help offset higher input costs and tighter margins. Without those shipments materializing, producers warn that financial pressures will intensify heading into 2026.
Meanwhile, Brazil continues to dominate China’s soybean market, supplying most of the country’s recent imports. Analysts note that China’s preference for Brazilian supplies — combined with ongoing U.S. tariffs — continues to limit U.S. competitiveness. That dynamic raises concerns that even with diplomatic announcements, American farmers may not see the export rebound they were promised.
