ASA Calls China Soybean Purchase Commitment a ‘Positive Development’

Details remain scarce but American soybean producers are calling China’s agreement to resume imports of US soybeans a ‘positive development.’ 

After months of stalled purchases, American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland said in a release Thursday the development offers much-needed optimism for growers who have faced depressed prices and limited export opportunities. 

“Today’s announcement is great news for American agriculture, and soybean farmers are extremely grateful to President Trump for making soybeans a priority in negotiations with China,” Ragland said. “This is a meaningful step forward to reestablishing a stable, long-term trading relationship that delivers results for farm families and future generations.” 

According to early information, the agreement includes minimum purchase commitments of 12 million tonnes of US soybeans through the remainder of this marketing year and a minimum of 25 million annually through 2028.  

ASA said that these commitments, if upheld, would bring Chinese purchases back to the range of 25 to 30 million metric tons annually — levels typical before the trade disputes began. The organization said it hopes the deal will help restore stability to global soybean markets and create a reliable framework for growth in years ahead. 

Amid trade tensions between the two countries, China had not purchased a single bushel of the 2025 US soybean crop up until earlier this week when it finally booked three cargoes ahead of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the APEC Summit in South Korea. 

The American Farm Bureau Federation echoed the ASA’s optimism. President Zippy Duvall said China’s renewed commitment to buy soybeans – as well as sorghum – from the US offers relief to farmers battered by years of trade disruptions. 

Still, market analysts remain cautious. Dan Basse of AgResource Company warned that it’s too soon to celebrate, noting that “China has a long history of not complying with trade agreements.” Calling the deal nothing more than a handshake agreement, Basse said much remains uncertain about the exact terms. 

Soybean futures had a back-and-forth trading session today, as the front three contracts have a 40 cent or more range. Contracts were up 13-16 cents in the nearbys near the close.