US must break soybean export dependence on China – Brooke Rollins

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has declared that the United States must urgently diversify markets for American soybeans, as China has completely halted purchases amid an escalating trade war. In an interview with The Washington Times on October 16, Rollins emphasized that farmers “don’t want checks (ed. – direct payments) from the government – they want markets to sell their products.”

According to Rollins, China, which previously accounted for over 50% of U.S. soybean exports, has not purchased a single shipment this year, redirecting orders to South American countries, particularly Brazil and Argentina. This has led to significant losses for farmers in the Midwest, where soybeans are a key crop. “We have to wean our producers off reliance on China,” Rollins stated, referencing the Trump administration’s plans for negotiations with President Xi Jinping at a summit in South Korea later this month.

While details of new markets remain undisclosed, Rollins hinted at potential opportunities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where the U.S. could supply soybeans for processing and further export. “Farmers are suffering from low prices and surpluses, but we are working on an aggressive strategy to expand access to global markets,” she added. The administration has promised a new farmer assistance program once federal funding is restored, alongside efforts to secure alternative buyers.

Experts warn that without swift action, the trade tensions could trigger the worst agricultural crisis in decades, with soybean prices having dropped 40% since 2022. The American Soybean Association is calling for immediate trade missions, similar to recent trips to Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

Tags: soybean, USA, China