For soybeans’ sake, cancel tariffs, China urges US as farmers grow desperate

China has called on the United States to lift its unilateral tariff measures so the two sides can restore normal trade flows of soybeans – a focal point of ongoing negotiations as many US farmers grow increasingly desperate for a bilateral deal to secure exports.

Washington could take decisive action to ease tensions and bring trading of the crop – a critically important export for America’s agricultural industry – back to normalcy, Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yadong said during a press briefing on Thursday, when asked whether China is placing any orders for US soybeans.

“The US side should take positive actions to cancel these unreasonable tariffs, creating conditions for expanding bilateral trade and injecting more stability and certainty into global economic development,” he stated.

The remarks followed a meeting on Monday between Li Chenggang, China’s trade negotiator and vice-minister of the ministry, and a delegation of political and business leaders from the American Midwest.

With harvest season under way in the agricultural hub, China – traditionally the top buyer of US soybeans – has yet to make any bulk purchases like it has in previous years. The typical harvest window is September through November.

While acknowledging the importance of local-level economic cooperation between the two countries, He pointed to the US’ so-called reciprocal tariff – set to take effect in November after two temporary truce agreements – as the biggest hurdle to normal trade flows. Last week, US President Donald Trump hinted at the possible extension of a trade truce with China.

South China Morning Post