• US exporters have sold 330,000 tons of soybeans to China, the first significant shipment under a new trade agreement.
  • The deal commits China to purchase 12 million metric tons of US soybeans by the end of 2025.
  • Soybean futures rose to their highest level since June 2024, providing relief after months of near-zero exports.

US agricultural exporters have finalized the sale of 330,000 tons of soybeans to Chinese buyers, marking the first substantial shipment since Washington and Beijing reached a new trade agreement that commits China to purchase 12 million metric tons of American soybeans by the end of 2025.

The transaction, facilitated by state-owned Chinese grain trader Cofco, comes after months of severely depressed US soybean exports to China due to ongoing trade tensions and retaliatory measures. According to people familiar with the matter, the initial shipment represents a critical test of the newly established trade framework between the two economic powers.

Market response was immediate, with US soybean futures climbing to their highest level since June 2024. The price surge provided welcome relief to American farmers and agricultural conglomerates at the close of the harvest season, following projections that 2025 exports to China would drop roughly 33% compared to 2024 levels—the lowest volumes since 2018.

Efforts to rebuild the US-China soybean trade relationship have faced significant headwinds. While some tariffs were suspended following diplomatic talks between President Trump and President Xi, US soybeans still face a 13% tariff in China, maintaining a competitive advantage for South American exporters. Brazil shipped a record 79 million tons to China between January and October 2025, solidifying its position as Beijing's primary supplier during the US export hiatus.

"This initial purchase provides short-term financial relief, but the volumes remain well below pre-trade war levels," said one market analyst who requested anonymity due to client relationships. "The question is whether this represents a sustainable recovery or merely a diplomatic gesture."

The agreement follows months of near-zero US soybean exports to China, during which Brazilian and Argentine suppliers dramatically increased their market share. While the new commitment calls for China to purchase 25 million tons annually from 2026 through 2028, even those volumes would remain below historic averages for US exports to China.

Multiple attempts to reach representatives from major US agricultural exporters for comment were unsuccessful. Market participants have expressed cautious optimism about the resumed sales, though many acknowledge the US industry remains vulnerable to shifts in Chinese economic policy and must continue diversifying export markets to reduce future exposure to trade disputes.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the annual commitment for 2026-2028. The correct figure is 25 million tons annually.