American soybean farmers were heartened by the announcement of a new trade ceasefire between the United States and China—that is, tentatively. The deal features China’s re-upped promise to buy more U.S. soybeans. This positive turn has given renewed optimism to producers who have recently experienced the harshest years on record.
In mid-September 2025, most U.S. soybean farmers were contending with disaster-level conditions. They were left reeling by the effects of a Chinese boycott on American soybeans. This boycott had occurred amid larger, ongoing trade tensions that had already taken a major toll on U.S. agricultural exports. And just like that, the carpet was yanked out from underneath with the announcement of a new trade deal. Farmers had been electric over news of China’s promise to restart purchases.
Yet even with this good news, American soybean producers are still understandably nervous. I think they know that global market dynamics are complex. U.S. soybeans are still too expensive relative to their South American competition. This price difference would continue to present challenges even if Beijing were to remove its tariffs on U.S. imports. The benefits that they have been promised farmers are beginning to worry will disappear. They worry that this will be the case if the ceasefire agreement is not respected.
A notable image from this period captures a farmer presenting his soybeans at a farm in Fargo, North Dakota, taken by photographer Pak Yiu in September 2025. These types of visuals help illustrate the tremendous work and effort American farmers are doing every day and their interest in what’s ahead.
The trade ceasefire offers real promise to change the field for U.S. soybean producers, but cynicism hangs heavy in the air. One major win Farmers point to this commitment as a sign of progress. They’ll only truly feel safe when they see actual action emerge from China’s promises.