Trump Targets Soybean Trade Dispute Ahead of Xi Meeting in South Korea

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that soybeans will be a key topic when he meets Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month, highlighting ongoing trade tensions that continue to weigh on American farmers. Trump, writing on Truth Social, said China is deliberately holding off on buying U.S. soybeans “for negotiating reasons only,” a strategy that has already cost U.S. farmers billions in lost sales.

The meeting is scheduled to take place during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Gyeongju, South Korea, in late October. Trump emphasized that soybean farmers, who are facing intense pressure due to China’s pivot to South American suppliers, remain at the center of these trade talks. Autumn is a critical marketing season for U.S. soybeans, yet Chinese importers have largely avoided American crops, further depressing market prices.

Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota noted that U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue offered no immediate signs that Chinese purchases would resume, stressing instead the need to maintain pressure while supporting farmers through government measures. Trump reiterated his promise to use tariff revenues to aid U.S. agriculture.

The former president also revealed plans to visit China early next year, with Xi expected to make a reciprocal trip to the U.S. later. Analysts say both governments are exploring ways to reduce trade friction, raising speculation that Beijing could eventually direct more agricultural purchases toward the U.S. as part of a broader deal.

During Trump’s first term, the 2020 Phase One trade agreement included commitments for China to buy tens of billions of dollars in U.S. farm products. However, Beijing never met its purchase targets and has since expanded efforts to diversify food imports. Chinese officials continue to emphasize that cooperation should be “mutually beneficial,” urging Washington to work toward implementing shared understandings between both leaders.