Trump-Xi Meeting Signals Fresh U.S.-China Trade Reset

The U.S.-China summit raises hopes for stronger exports and reduced barriers, but U.S. ag players should remain strategically cautious until concrete volumes and certifications materialize.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — In a high-profile summit this week, Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping agreed on a broader framework for U.S.–China trade cooperation, moving beyond tensions toward incremental renewal of access and purchases in key sectors, including agriculture and technology.

Among the early outcomes: China’s state-owned trader COFCO reportedly booked about 6.6 million bushels of U.S. soybeans for December-January shipment — its first confirmed buy from the 2025 harvest — providing a symbolic boost even as larger structural terms remain unresolved.

Analysts say the soy booking, while modest, reflects thawing relations and price parity with Brazil, which gives U.S. exporters a window of opportunity at Gulf and PNW ports. The meeting also yielded a one-year delay on China’s planned rare-earth export licensing regime, and discussions resurfaced around corn, sorghum, beef, and dairy market openings. Whether volumes follow and trade patterns truly shift depends on implementation details.

Farm-Level Takeaway: The summit raises hopes for stronger exports and reduced barriers, but U.S. ag players should remain strategically cautious until concrete volumes and certifications materialize.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
Related Stories
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated this week that the government will intervene to help, following China’s withdrawal from the U.S. soybean market. One trader says the industry will remain in a holding pattern until Tuesday.
University of Illinois Ag Economist Gary Schnitker says early projections indicate soybeans will be more profitable than corn in 2026.
Trump’s upcoming talks raise hopes for U.S. soybeans, but China’s record purchases from Brazil and Argentina show America’s market share remains under heavy pressure.
Farmers face tighter barge capacity and higher freight costs during peak harvest.
Bigger-than-expected corn and wheat stocks are bearish for prices, while soybean figures were neutral. Farmers may face additional price pressure as harvest accelerates.
“MAKE SOYBEANS, AND OTHER ROW CROPS, GREAT AGAIN!”
Taiwan’s pledge to expand imports strengthens export prospects for U.S. row crops, livestock products, and specialty commodities, while the USDA’s broader trade push seeks to diversify farm markets globally.
“American soybean farmers—who are already reeling from your sweeping tariffs—deserve better.”

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Margin Protection and the new MCO add county-level margin tools — with earlier price discovery, input cost triggers, and high subsidy rates — to complement on-farm risk plans for 2026.
For aging operators and their rural neighbors, staying socially engaged is a practical strategy to preserve decision-making capacity and farm vitality.
Until a phased reopening is inked, plan for tighter feeder availability, firmer basis near border yards, and continued reliance on domestic and Canadian sources.
Set targets and use forwards, futures, or options to manage downside while preserving room for rallies.
Bangladesh’s buying surge offers temporary relief for U.S. farmers facing weaker Chinese demand, highlighting how global politics can reshape export outlets overnight.
RFD-TV Markets Expert Tony St. James breaks down the USDA’s newly unveiled plan to rebuild the US beef herd and the industry’s spectrum of responses to it.