The White House announced on Sunday that China has agreed to increase purchases of US agricultural goods to an annualized rate of $17 billion by 2026 and maintain that level through 2028.
This follows a summit between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Separately, China has fulfilled an initial commitment to purchase 12 million metric tons of soybeans from the United States, amid evolving trade policy considerations.
Key Terms of the Agreement
- Purchase Targets: China will buy US agricultural products at an annualized rate of $17 billion by 2026, maintaining that level for 2027 and 2028.
- Market Access: China will restore market access for US beef and resume imports of poultry from states declared free of bird flu by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
- Scope: The White House stated these deals are in addition to previous commitments made by China to purchase soybeans.
Soybean Purchase Milestone
China has completed its initial commitment to buy 12 million metric tons of soybeans from the United States. This milestone follows a trade agreement announced in October, which included a commitment for China to purchase 25 million metric tons of American soybeans annually for three years.
Timeline of Events
- China paused purchases of US soybeans during a prior trade dispute with Washington.
- Purchases resumed after a meeting between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea, where a truce was established.
- Preliminary data from the USDA last fall raised questions about China's adherence to the agreement due to slow initial purchasing activity.
- USDA data from January 8 showed China had purchased over 8 million tons of US soybeans, with subsequent daily reports indicating additional orders.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed China's fulfillment of the initial purchasing milestone in Davos, Switzerland, after meeting with Chinese Vice President He Lifeng. Bessent reported China's ongoing commitment.
Trade Context and Background
- US agricultural exports to China peaked at $38 billion in 2022 but fell to $8 billion in 2025.
- Soybean purchases decreased from nearly $18 billion in 2022 to $3 billion in 2025.
- China has diversified its agricultural imports, turning to Brazil and Argentina. World Bank data shows Brazilian beans accounted for over 70% of China’s imports last year, while the US share fell to 21%.
Statements from Officials and Organizations
- The White House stated that the agreements aim to provide relief to US farmers affected by the trade war.
- China's Ministry of Commerce said the two sides would work to resolve non-tariff barriers and market access issues.
- The American Soybean Association expressed hope for additional soybean purchases and continued progress on commitments.
- Agricultural economist Chad Hart of Iowa State University stated that recent US trade policy statements regarding potential tariffs could undermine the existing trade agreement with China.