MADRID, SPAIN (RFD-TV) — U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative officials are meeting this week with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Madrid — with tariffs, export controls, and TikTok on the agenda.
China has sharply reduced purchases of American crops, and reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) show no new soybean bookings from China for 2025/26. This follows Beijing’s recent approval of Brazilian sorghum imports and suspension of U.S. shipments, citing quality issues.
The Treasury signaled over the weekend that the current tariff truce will hold until at least November 10, which could give farmers a brief window of stability. However, China has pulled back on U.S. crops, turning to Brazil and Argentina instead for soybeans and sorghum.
For U.S. agriculture, the stakes are high. Farm groups are pressing negotiators to secure firm commitments for Chinese buying, warning that without access to this top market, U.S. producers face lower prices and growing competition.
Nitrogen and phosphate markets are tightening ahead of spring, keeping fertilizer costs elevated while crop prices lag.
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RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney talks about the U.S. House’s latest vote to roll back tariffs on Canada and the ongoing discussions surrounding North American trade.
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Corn demand remains supportive, but weaker soybean buying limits overall export momentum.
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China’s reliance on imported soybeans remains entrenched, shaping global demand and trade leverage.
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Cuba remains a steady, nearby buyer of U.S. poultry, pork, dairy, and staples, but legal and compliance risks could still affect shipping and payment channels.
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Agriculture remains a key drag on regional growth amid weak prices and policy uncertainty.
February 12, 2026 08:00 AM
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While access to China remains uncertain, U.S. beef exporters are finding resilience and opportunity in other global markets, which could help maintain industry value and expand export opportunities.
February 11, 2026 02:41 PM
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ASFMRA’s Dennis Reyman discusses farmer sentiment, land values, and how global and financial pressures are shaping decision-making in the ag land market.
February 11, 2026 01:51 PM
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Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association discusses the EPA’s new decision on over-the-top Dicamba and what it means for growers this year.
February 11, 2026 01:32 PM
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