WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a high-profile phone call focused on diplomatic and economic issues, including potential increases in China’s purchases of U.S. soybeans, a topic that sent soybean futures sharply higher in early trading after Trump’s announcement.
The call, described by Trump as “very positive,” touched on trade, security issues, and plans for future engagement between the two leaders.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform following the call, posting that he had just completed an “excellent” conversation with Xi in which they discussed a range of subjects — including trade, Taiwan, and agricultural purchases — and said China was considering buying about 20 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans this season and up to 25 million metric tons next season.
That post helped spark an intra-day rally in soybean futures, bringing prices to their highest levels of 2026 before settling back somewhat later in the session.
While Trump emphasized the strength of his personal relationship with Xi and framed China’s interest in U.S. agricultural purchases as a positive outcome, the Chinese government’s statements focused on broader diplomatic concerns, such as Taiwan and regional stability, and offered no specific confirmation of purchase commitments from Beijing.
Market analysts noted that despite the rally, China’s actual buying behavior remains uncertain, particularly given ongoing competition from cheaper Brazilian soybeans and structural trade patterns that have shifted China’s import mix in recent years.
Farm-Level Takeaway: The phone call injected optimism into the soybean market, but actual Chinese buying and its timing will ultimately determine the extent of U.S. agricultural export benefits.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom shares how recent trade talks are influencing U.S. red meat global sales and the importance of key trade agreements like the USMCA.
November 12, 2025 03:07 PM
·
Iowa Ag Secretary Naig recaps discussions surrounding a potential federal aid package for farmers and shares insights on producer sentiment in the Heartland.
November 12, 2025 02:42 PM
·
Enforceable origin labels could create clearer premiums for U.S. cattle and address concerns some producers have had with competition from foreign imported beef.
November 12, 2025 12:39 PM
·
A court decision that overturns Enlist labels would remove two major herbicides from use and reshape EPA’s future mitigation policies for other pesticides.
November 12, 2025 12:27 PM
·
Friday’s release will be the first WASDE report in about two months, and early estimates indicate a corn surplus is still on the way.
November 12, 2025 12:16 PM
·
A Reuters report shows China has a soybean “glut,” finding stockpiles at Chinese ports are at record levels, with crushers there holding the most supplies since 2017.
November 12, 2025 10:55 AM
·
Once a year, Army crew chiefs and Black Hawk mechanics undergo live aerial gunnery training—loading, firing, and practicing the teamwork they’ll need in real missions.
November 11, 2025 03:57 PM
·
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) says recent wins in markets like Malaysia and Cambodia help farmers focus on production rather than trade barriers.
November 11, 2025 03:50 PM
·
Kubota President Alex Woods discusses the “Geared to Give” program, the company’s commitment to those who served, and how the initiative continues to grow and impact veterans.
November 11, 2025 01:52 PM
·
