U.S. beef exports to China have been stalled since early March, and chicken exports dropped nearly 50 percent back in February.
Economists with StoneX have been watching the situation, and say they are not holding their breath for a resolution anytime soon, pointing to the high approval rating of China’s president.
“Xi Jinping is the one who has the courage to stand up to America, and so a sense of nationalism is very strong in China right now, and Xi Jinping’s popularity is very high. And so, if he negotiates, he risks looking weak in doing so, and that’s also an incentive for him not to negotiate. I don’t expect an agreement with China anytime soon. A little bit sobering related to that, USDA currently projects ending stocks of soybeans in China at 44 million metric tons. That’s surplus supplies. That’s nearly twice what they bought from us this year,” said Arlan Suderman.
China’s government recently distributed a propaganda video condemning the U.S., accusing America of bullying other countries into submission. Suderman says this situation is likely to be a defining moment in the fight for the largest economy and military in the world.
RFD News correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports from Texas on the ongoing water dispute and its implications for U.S. farmers.
January 14, 2026 12:17 PM
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RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses the latest developments in the Supreme Court, trade tariffs, and the future of the USMCA under President Donald Trump.
January 14, 2026 11:54 AM
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The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 agenda centers on labor stability, biosecurity, and economic resilience for family farms. Expanded DMC coverage improves risk protection for dairy operations facing tighter margins.
January 14, 2026 11:19 AM
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Freight volatility increasingly determines export margins, making logistics costs as important as price in marketing decisions.
January 14, 2026 06:00 AM
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China’s beef policy risk stems from domestic volatility, making export demand inherently unstable. Jake Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on cattle markets, risk management, and producer sentiment.
January 13, 2026 02:13 PM
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USDA flash corn sales, Cattle on Feed and Inventory reports, and beef packer antitrust concerns dominate January agricultural market news.
January 13, 2026 01:53 PM
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