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US President Donald Trump on Monday urged China to increase its purchases of American soybeans, framing it as a way to address Beijing’s domestic shortages
US President Donald Trump, left, shakes hands with China’s President Xi Jinping. (AP file photo)
US President Donald Trump on Monday urged China to increase its purchases of American soybeans, framing it as a way to address Beijing’s domestic shortages and reduce its trade surplus with the United States.
“China is worried about its shortage of soybeans. Our great farmers produce the most robust soybeans. I hope China will quickly quadruple its soybean orders. This is also a way of substantially reducing China’s Trade Deficit with the USA. Rapid service will be provided. Thank you President XI,” Trump said.
China is worried about its shortage of soybeans. Our great farmers produce the most robust soybeans. I hope China will quickly quadruple its soybean orders. This is also a way of substantially reducing China’s Trade Deficit with the USA. Rapid service will be provided. Thank you…— Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) August 11, 2025
The remarks come against the backdrop of long-standing tariff disputes between the two countries, particularly during Trump’s current presidency, when Washington imposed tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese goods.
Beijing retaliated with its own duties, including on US agricultural products such as soybeans, a key American export and a major component of China’s animal feed supply chain.
Due to steep tariffs on US soybeans, reports suggest Chinese traders have scaled back imports from the United States, citing higher prices driven by the duties.
During the 2018–2020 trade war, US soybean sales to China plunged, prompting Washington to roll out multi-billion-dollar aid packages to support American farmers.
The situation eased somewhat after the 2020 “Phase One” trade deal, under which China committed to increasing purchases of US agricultural goods, though it ultimately fell short of the agreed targets.
Soybeans remain one of the most politically sensitive products in US–China trade relations, both for their economic value and their impact on agricultural states that form a key part of Trump’s political base.
Trump’s latest comments signal continued pressure on Beijing to boost imports, as global food supply chains remain volatile amid geopolitical challenges.
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