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.
Brooks York with AgriSompo addresses how current market conditions and risk management are impacted by volatility in the Middle East, and considerations for farmers in the spring planting season.
March 26, 2026 02:57 PM
·
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer provided guidance on navigating the R&D tax credit, emphasizing record-keeping, eligibility, and maximizing potential savings as crop margins remain the key pressure point for farmers.
March 26, 2026 12:29 PM
·
For agriculture, the meeting is seen as a potential turning point, with markets watching closely for any signals on trade, exports, and future purchasing commitments.
March 26, 2026 11:16 AM
·
As farmers and ranchers navigate rising input costs, lawmakers are considering a roughly $15 billion aid package to help, which would be tied to the spending bill for the war with Iran.
March 25, 2026 12:46 PM
·
Lower costs improve competitiveness, but demand remains uncertain.
March 25, 2026 10:00 AM
·
Policy clarity will determine the trajectory of soybean crush demand, but producers in Kansas have shown that expanding local crush capacity strengthens basis and marketing options.
March 25, 2026 09:00 AM
·
