U.S. Signals Upcoming Farmer Aid Package as China Soybean Purchases Advance

The Trump administration is preparing to unveil a long-awaited aid package for U.S. farmers within the next two weeks, according to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. The support plan, aimed at helping growers hit by low crop prices and ongoing trade tensions, has been anticipated for months but has yet to be detailed. Rollins told CNBC the announcement is expected “in the next week or two,” though she offered no specifics on the amount or structure of the relief.

U.S. farmers, particularly soybean producers, have faced significant financial strain this year as China—their largest export market—shifted purchases to Brazil and Argentina during tense trade negotiations. The American Farm Bureau Federation stressed the aid is “urgently needed,” citing increasing production costs and weaker market prices.

Following an October meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, China agreed to purchase 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans through January. Recent data shows China bought nearly 1.6 million metric tons over a three-day span last week—its biggest weekly purchase in two years—helping lift soybean prices. Two cargo ships were reportedly en route to grain terminals near New Orleans to load the first U.S. soybean shipments to China since May.

Rollins said the U.S. and China are close to finalizing the details, noting she expects the deal to be signed “this week or next week.” She expressed confidence that China will follow through on its commitments, adding that even if orders are placed before December ends, shipments will likely move early next year.

Trump also highlighted progress in a post on Truth Social, calling the agricultural discussions with Xi a “very important” win for American farmers. Meanwhile, China confirmed that agricultural trade was part of a broader consensus reached during October talks in Kuala Lumpur and emphasized its commitment to open, cooperative global trade relationships.