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 government shutdown has touched nearly every sector of the ag industry since it began, and now impacts are spilling over into dairy.
October 20, 2025 12:46 PM
·
With China halting U.S. soybean purchases and talks tied to broader strategic issues, growers face renewed export uncertainty.
October 20, 2025 11:52 AM
·
Talks highlight the widening role of agriculture in U.S.–India trade policy, though neither side appears ready for major concessions before tariff issues and oil imports are resolved.
October 20, 2025 11:28 AM
·
Southern farms are deepening online engagement for cost savings and market access, while higher-cost precision technologies face renewed scrutiny amid tight budgets.
October 20, 2025 11:22 AM
·
Global trade teams and summit discussions highlight expanding opportunities for U.S. corn and ethanol exports as nations explore renewable fuel options and reduced-carbon energy pathways.
October 20, 2025 11:17 AM
·
Slightly higher output amid softer gasoline pull points to steady corn grind — watch regional stocks and export pace for basis clues.
October 17, 2025 04:59 PM
·
Soybean farmer and Arkansas Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge highlights why the U.S. trade standoff with China is especially critical for Arkansas producers.
October 17, 2025 04:07 PM
·
NEFB President Mark McHargue provides an update from the Husker State, where farmers are working hard to bring in one of the largest harvests in recent years.
October 17, 2025 04:06 PM
·
The new antitrust agreement between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) aims to enforce antitrust laws and monitor market activity across the ag sector.
October 17, 2025 12:27 PM
·
