Chinese and U.S. officials sign a new trade agreement

Chinese and U.S. officials confirm the “ink is dry,” as a new trade deal has officially been signed. The news came during a White House event last night.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the deal was reached earlier this week and is based on earlier trade talks in London. It codifies those terms and includes a commitment from China to send rare earth materials to the United States. Lutnick also told reporters that the U.S. would lift countermeasures but only once the minerals are delivered.

This deal did not mention any specific agricultural products, but officials say they will remain in close contact.

Related Stories
China is not one of our top suppliers of cooking oil, according to USDA ERS data, but does export a lot of used cooking oil to the U.S. for biofuel production.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined RFD-TV’s Market Day Report to share insight into what’s happening on the ground and in the markets.
Expect choppier basis and wider bids — hedge earlier, keep logistics flexible, and watch Argentina and India headlines for near-term opportunities.
New U.S. fees on Chinese-owned and built ships took effect overnight, marking the latest escalation in maritime trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.
President Trump is expected to press Argentina to take a tougher stance on China in exchange for political and economic support.
Escalating U.S.–China tensions threaten soybean demand as farm finances are stretched further.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Wed, 2/18/26 – 7:30 PM ET
While access to China remains uncertain, U.S. beef exporters are finding resilience and opportunity in other global markets, which could help maintain industry value and expand export opportunities.
American Farmland Trust shares guidance, research, and policy solutions to help farmers navigate the growing threat of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” contaminating U.S. farmland.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss winter safety reminders and preparedness.
ASFMRA’s Dennis Reyman discusses farmer sentiment, land values, and how global and financial pressures are shaping decision-making in the ag land market.