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
The Sheinbaum–Rollins meeting signals progress, but the focus remains on fully containing screwworm before cross-border movement resumes.
November 05, 2025 10:18 AM
·
November 04, 2025 02:44 PM
RaboResearch says China’s pivot from mass production to innovation-driven growth could reshape global pesticide supply chains — and influence prices and product access for U.S. farmers in the coming years.
November 04, 2025 01:20 PM
·
Farmers for Free Trade Executive Director Brian Kuehl shares more about the tour to gather farmers’ insights on the economic challenges they face in the ag economy.
November 04, 2025 01:15 PM
·
Recent U.S.–China trade developments provided a small lift for soy markets, though most traders are waiting for concrete purchase data before making major moves.
November 04, 2025 12:34 PM
·
Wheat futures briefly hit a three-month high before retreating as the markets wait for word on whether the deal will actually happen.
November 04, 2025 12:19 PM
·
According to Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, the top three soy-crushing companies in Bangladesh agreed to buy $1 billion worth of U.S. soybeans over the next year.
November 04, 2025 11:17 AM
·
A strong corn export pull is supportive of bids; soybeans need steady vessel programs or fresh sales to firm cash.
November 04, 2025 10:47 AM
·
USDA will meet part of November SNAP benefits under court direction, citing insufficient funds for full payments.
November 04, 2025 10:20 AM
·
