China Halts U.S. Soybean Exports Amid Tariffs

Three U.S. Firms Lose Export Licenses as China Enforces Tariffs

China has imposed new tariffs on U.S. agricultural products following the U.S. government’s decision to implement a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports. In retaliation, China introduced a 15% tariff on corn, wheat, cotton, and chicken, along with an additional 10% tariff on soybeans, pork, beef, and dairy.

Additionally, China suspended soybean export licenses for three U.S. companies - CHS Inc., Louis Dreyfus Company Grains Merchandising LLC, and EGT LLC, citing contamination concerns. According to the USDA, Chinese customs detected ergot and soybeans containing seed coating agents in recent shipments.

China also filed a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization (WTO) in response to U.S. tariff policies. Meanwhile, U.S. farmers expressed concerns over rising costs and declining crop prices.

“Farmers are facing a troubling economic landscape due to rising input costs and declining corn prices,” said Kenneth Hartman Jr., National Corn Growers Association President. He urged the government to negotiate trade agreements that restore market access for American farmers.

Farmers Union President Rob Larew warned of serious consequences for the agricultural sector. “Our farmers are the backbone of this country and they need strong, fair-trade policies that ensure they can compete on a level playing field,” he stated.

Soybeans remain the top U.S. agricultural export to China, valued at $12.76 billion in 2024. In total, China was the third-largest buyer of U.S. farm products, purchasing around $24.7 billion worth of goods. The ongoing trade dispute continues to create uncertainty for American farmers.