China Ag Commitments Offer New Export Market Signals

RealAg Radio Host Shaun Haney joins us to discuss the latest U.S.-China ag trade agreements, market reaction, and what producers should watch moving forward.

LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — U.S. agriculture received new market-access signals from the Trump-Xi summit, but producers will still be watching for actual sales and shipments. The White House says China will purchase at least $17 billion per year in U.S. agricultural products in 2026, 2027, and 2028, in addition to earlier soybean commitments.

Reuters reports the $17 billion pledge does not include China’s October 2025 soybean commitments. Those earlier commitments called for China to buy at least 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans in each of 2026, 2027, and 2028, equal to about 919 million bushels per year.

The agreement also includes access to beef and poultry. The White House says China renewed expired listings for more than 400 U.S. beef facilities, added new listings, and agreed to work with U.S. regulators to lift remaining suspensions. China also resumed poultry imports from U.S. states that the USDA considers free of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Last November’s agreement suspended retaliatory tariffs on U.S. farm goods, including chicken, wheat, corn, cotton, sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, fruits, vegetables, and dairy.

China says some summit agreements are still preliminary, so export sales reports will be the proof.

Farm-Level Takeaway: China’s commitments support farm exports, but producers need confirmed sales, shipments, and customs clearance before they can be counted as demand.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist

New details are emerging from President Trump’s trip to China, with the administration highlighting a series of agricultural trade commitments that officials say could benefit U.S. farmers and ranchers.

According to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, China confirmed $17 billion in new agricultural purchase commitments during the trip, in addition to a prior soybean agreement. Rollins also announced that China will resume imports of U.S. poultry and renew licenses for more than 400 U.S. beef facilities, reopening access for certain beef products.

Shaun Haney, host of RealAg Radio, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to discuss how the new trade developments are being viewed across the agriculture sector and what they could mean for producers moving forward.

In his conversation with RFD News, Haney discussed whether the latest announcements change perceptions surrounding the U.S.-China meeting and how renewed trade activity could impact farmer sentiment and market outlooks heading into 2026. He also addressed the recent market rally and what producers may be watching most closely as additional details emerge.

Haney said questions still remain surrounding the long-term direction of U.S.-China relations and what additional developments could follow in the weeks ahead as both countries continue negotiations.

Related Stories
Higher ocean freight rates can add export cost pressure even when grain demand remains active.
March pork gains lifted total meat production, but first-quarter output still ran below last year.
Weekly export movement stayed solid, with corn and sorghum continuing to show the strongest overall pace.
Austin Rice with Specialty Risk Insurance shares guidance on handling storm damage, navigating the insurance claims process, and managing risk during a volatile planting season.
Eric Weaver with UNL joins us to share about a promising new HPAI vaccine, early test results, next steps in development, and its potential impact on the livestock industry.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joins us to break down the latest USDA crop progress report, share insights from growers, and discuss how global factors are shaping planting decisions this season.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

With the Farm Bill now in the Senate’s hands, industry groups say the stakes are high—and timely action could be critical for producers navigating a difficult economic environment.
The Texas Department of Agriculture confirmed a New World Screwworm case about 119 miles from the Texas border, near Zapata, Texas, and north and west of the Rio Grande Valley.
Landowners interested in protecting working ground through an easement now have another funding window open until the end of May.
Domestic demand policy may play a larger role if export competition continues to limit price recovery.
Tennessee corn and soy farmer Josh Ogle joins us to discuss rapid planting progress in the state, improving moisture conditions, and early crop development challenges in the MidSouth region.
Beef is leading the decline as slaughter drops and supplies tighten.