WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) – President Donald Trump is set to meet Argentina’s President Javier Milei at the White House today, with agricultural issues front and center. The two leaders are expected to ratify their alliance following a recent financial bailout, which caused big concern among U.S. soybean growers and lawmakers in Congress.
“Those could’ve easily been our beans going over there. It goes to show that if that opportunity is there, China would be willing to buy,’ American Soybean Association (ASA) Vice President Scott Metzger told RFD-TV News, discussing the decline in soybean prices and the impact of Argentina’s recent decision to reduce its soybean export taxes, which allowed the country to sell 20 shiploads to China.
The news about China’s big buy of Argentinian soybeans also comes as U.S. President Donald Trump spoke alongside Argentine President Javier Milei before the United Nations on Tuesday, pledging his support to help the country overcome financial challenges, but stopped short of agreeing with World Bank officials’ plan to streamline $4 billion in public and private investments in the South American nation to avert an economic crisis.
“We’re going to help them. I don’t think they need a bailout,” Pres. Trump told reporters earlier this month at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. “[Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent] is working with their country so that they can get good debt and all of the things that you need to make Argentina great again.”
Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), along with 12 other Democratic lawmakers, wrote to the White House, warning that any assistance for Argentina would come at the expense of America’s farmers and ranchers, who are facing both a decline in soybean prices and the ongoing impacts of the trade turmoil.
“We write with deep concern regarding your plan to send a $20 billion bailout, funded by American taxpayers, to Argentina just days after the country took steps to undermine American farmers,” wrote the Senators. “Last week, Argentina announced its plan to suspend export taxes on soybeans, effectively sidelining American soybean farmers in the international market.”
The group of lawmakers criticized President Trump’s plan to send $20 billion to Argentina, which comes just days after Argentina’s recent decision to reduce its soybean export taxes. They argue that this move undermines American farmers by allowing large soybean sales to China, and they contend that American soybean farmers deserve better.
“Despite Argentina’s decision, you are still reportedly moving forward with the bailout for the country,” the Senators continued. “American soybean farmers – who are already reeling from your sweeping tariffs – deserve better.”
However, President Trump is expected to press Argentina to take a tougher stance on China in exchange for political and economic support.
First Soybeans, Now Beef?
Analysts also speculate that today’s meeting could open the door for more Argentine beef into the U.S. market. It comes after a social media post by White House ally Roger Stone.
Beef imports are rising to cover U.S. supply gaps created by the smallest cattle herd in decades, while pork demand is being primarily met by domestic production. South America is reshaping beef trade flows, with Brazil and Uruguay in particular expanding their share of the U.S. market.
U.S. beef imports are climbing in 2025 while pork imports continue to ease, according to USDA data through early September. Total beef imports reached 1.82 million metric tons, up 8 percent from 2024, with South America gaining ground.
However, Brazil’s beef exports to the U.S. are expected to drop again in September, due to higher tariffs. According to Reuters, volumes could go from about 30 thousand tons a month before the duties to just 7,000 tons this month.
This leaves room at the table for Argentina to once again gain in new markets.
