American soybean farmers are excited, yet nervous. This is a significant development, coming in the wake of an apparent truce in the trade war between China and the U.S. Located a few hours to the west in Fargo, North Dakota, one local soybean farm is representative of the Midwest’s cautious optimism that pervades the industry right now. Pak Yiu took the panorama above of this farm in September 2025. This vital piece of our agricultural landscape, although under constant attack, is well documented and illustrates the significant role these farms continue to play today.
The recently signed US-China trade ceasefire has triggered a seismic shift. With China again pledging to buy US soybeans, the jitters that swept over many ag producers during the boycott have begun to subside. Despite this newfound promise, farmers are still skeptical. All of these commitments from China need to take form in measurable terms and actions taken before American soybean producers can expect to see a significant impact.
Though tariffs on US soybeans have been lifted, challenges remain. At the moment, US soybeans are bid well above their South American competitors, further muddying the waters on what the competitive landscape looks like for American producers. A local farmer brought his prized soybeans to show off, a testament to the high-quality crop that’s grown there with purpose and pride. The farmer’s point was that he was not sure these changes would create the relief he needs in a quick changing environment.
Industry experts agree the trade deal offers some much-needed relief. It fails to address the structural issues US soybean producers are grappling with. The commitment from China is certainly a step in the right direction and, though not a panacea, is extremely important. Growers are remaining guardedly optimistic. They understand that they always need to be alert and flexible with an eye towards redefining market landscapes.
Pak Yiu’s above photograph features the resolve of American farmers. They continue to win on the quality of their soybeans, even with an unpredictable and uncertain trade climate. With the article published in Nikkei on November 6, 2025, there is an ongoing conversation about the future of US agriculture and the role of international trade.