U.S. President Donald Trump urged China to increase its purchase of U.S. soybeans, highlighting it as a strategy to help narrow Beijing’s trade deficit with Washington.
“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 U.S. Rapid service will be provided,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The president’s remarks touched on a major political pressure point for Washington in its trade dispute with Beijing.

The move comes amid ongoing tariff tensions between the two nations, sparked by Washington’s decision to levy tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese imports. In response, Beijing imposed tariffs, targeting U.S. agricultural goods like soybeans, a vital American export and a key ingredient in China’s animal feed industry.
As a result of higher tariffs, Chinese importers reduced purchases of U.S. soybeans, citing increased costs caused by the duties.

Meanwhile, a tariff truce between the U.S. and China is set to expire on August 12, though the Trump administration has hinted at a possible extension. China, responsible for over 60% of global soybean imports, sources most of its supply from Brazil and the United States.

Last year, China imported about 105 million metric tons of soybeans, with less than one-quarter originating from the U.S. and the majority supplied by Brazil. To increase U.S. shipments fourfold, China needs to redirect its soybean sourcing from other markets to the U.S.

Over the past few years, China has lessened its dependence on U.S. soybeans, increasing its purchases from South American countries. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, China’s imports of American soybeans dropped by 39% in volume during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period the previous year.

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