DES MOINES, IOWA (RFD-TV) — Brazilian farmers are ramping up soybean production, seizing a new opportunity from the U.S.-China trade war. Farmers in São Paulo are planting more crops, as China looks to Brazilian beans for the first half of 2026. Brazil’s government expects the next harvest to rise by nearly four percent. Analysts say the shift is short-term, but for now, Brazil is cashing in on global trade tensions.
Of course, this all hinges on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s announcement over the weekend that China will buy more soybeans from the U.S. The hope that an agreement is headed our way has sent soybeans higher this week. President Trump and China’s president meet on Thursday in South Korea.
The President’s trip to Asia this week follows a trade mission by the Iowa Soybean Association. Farmers say they were reminded that U.S. soybeans have an international reputation that can be easy to take for granted here at home.
Related Stories
Drought remains a major risk, with the ERS reporting that 98 percent of the U.S. cotton production area was affected by drought in early May.
The coalition says the program was designed to make cover crop enrollment faster and easier for producers.
European officials say the temporary move is aimed at easing pressure on farmers as conflict in the Middle East disrupts fertilizer markets.
Canadian industry leaders argue the tax policies cited by U.S. officials are similar to exemptions already used by American growers.
